Paris Engineer Wins €1M Picasso in Alzheimer’s Charity Raffle
Ari Hodara, a Paris-based engineer, won Pablo Picasso’s 1941 painting "Head of a Woman" in a charity raffle organized to fund Alzheimer’s research. The event, held at Christie’s in Paris, sold 120,000 tickets at €100 each, generating €12 million from participants in 52 countries. After paying €1 million to the artwork’s owner, the remaining €11 million was donated to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. This third edition of the initiative highlights an innovative philanthropic model leveraging high-value art for medical funding, despite minor regulatory hurdles in Germany.
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Paris Man Wins $1.2 Million Picasso Painting in Charity Raffle
Ari Hodara, a 58-year-old software salesman from Paris, won a Pablo Picasso painting valued at approximately $1.2 million through a charity raffle. Hodara purchased two tickets for the draw, costing 100 euros (about $118) each, primarily for fun rather than expecting to win. Upon receiving the notification, he initially suspected the call was a phishing scam due to his surprise. The artwork, titled "Tête de femme," was completed in 1941 and previously hung in Picasso’s home. The raffle was organized by the French charity "1 Picasso for 100 Euros," founded by Péri Cochin. The initiative successfully raised 12 million euros from participants across dozens of countries. From these proceeds, one million euros will cover the acquisition cost of the painting, while the remaining 11 million euros will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. These funds are designated to support clinical research programs, provide doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships, and promote the sharing of scientific findings regarding Alzheimer's disease. This event highlights a unique intersection of high-value art collection and philanthropic fundraising efforts in Europe.
NYT > World > EuropeFrenchman Wins €1 Million Picasso Painting in Paris Charity Raffle
A 59-year-old French software engineer, Ari Hodara, has won a Pablo Picasso painting valued at one million euros ($1.18 million) through a charitable raffle held in Paris. The winner was selected at random from a pool of 120,000 ticket holders during a ceremony at the prestigious Christie's auction house on Tuesday. Each raffle ticket was priced at 100 euros, generating significant funds for the cause. The primary objective of this non-profit initiative is to support critical research into Alzheimer's disease. By participating in the raffle, buyers contributed directly to medical advancements while having the chance to own a masterpiece by one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. This event highlights an innovative approach to fundraising, combining high-value art with philanthropy to engage the public in health-related causes. The substantial proceeds from the ticket sales are designated exclusively for funding ongoing and future studies aimed at understanding and treating Alzheimer's, reflecting a growing trend of leveraging cultural assets for social good.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesParisian Engineer Wins Picasso Artwork for 100 Euros in Charity Raffle
Ari Hodora, a Paris-based engineer, won a valuable Pablo Picasso artwork titled "Tête de Femme" after purchasing a single raffle ticket for 100 euros. The charity lottery, organized by the Alzheimer Foundation and French presenter Péri Cochin, took place at Christie's auction house in Paris. The winning piece, a 1941 gouache portrait of Dora Maar, is estimated to be worth approximately one million euros. Hodora was among 120,000 participants who bought tickets, with the proceeds dedicated to Alzheimer's research. While the event attracted international interest, potential buyers from Germany were excluded from participating after ticket sales had already begun. The joint gaming authority of German states requested the organizers to halt sales in Germany, though the specific reasons for this regulatory intervention remain undisclosed. Despite the restriction, tickets previously sold to German residents remained valid. This initiative follows similar charitable raffles of Picasso works in 2013 and 2020, which benefited winners from the United States and Italy. The event highlights both the allure of high-value art lotteries and the complex regulatory landscape governing cross-border gambling and charity fundraising within Europe.
Aktuell - FAZ.NETParis Art Enthusiast Wins €1m Picasso in Charity Raffle
Ari Hodara, a 58-year-old sales engineer and art enthusiast from Paris, won a Pablo Picasso painting valued at over €1 million after purchasing a €100 ticket in a charity raffle. Hodara discovered the raffle by chance while dining out and bought his ticket over the weekend. He expressed initial disbelief upon receiving the notification from organizers following the draw at Christie’s auction house in Paris, questioning if it was a hoax. The winning artwork is Head of a Woman, a 1941 portrait of Dora Maar. This event marks the third iteration of the “1 Picasso for €100” lottery, organized to support Alzheimer’s research. All 120,000 tickets were sold, generating €12 million in total revenue. Of this amount, €1 million was paid to the Opera Gallery, which owned the painting, while the remaining funds are designated for charitable causes. Previous editions of this raffle raised millions for cultural projects in Lebanon and hygiene programs in Africa, establishing a precedent for using high-value art lotteries for philanthropy.
The GuardianFrench Engineer Wins Picasso Painting Valued at One Million Euros in Charity Raffle
Ari Hodara, a 59-year-old engineer from Paris, has won a Pablo Picasso painting valued at one million euros in a charity raffle. The draw was part of the third edition of the '1 Picasso for 100 euros' initiative, organized by the Fondation Recherche Alzheimer to fund research into the disease. Hodara purchased a single ticket for 100 euros out of 120,000 sold, with all proceeds totaling over 12 million euros. The winning artwork, titled 'Tête de femme' (1941), is a gouache on paper depicting photographer Dora Maar, sourced from the Opera Gallery collection. The event took place at Christie's auction house in Paris. According to organizers, one million euros from the funds raised will cover the preferential purchase price of the painting, while the remaining 11 million euros will be directly allocated to Alzheimer's research. Dr. Olivier de Ladoucette, president of the foundation, praised the initiative as a brilliant method for generating significant global support. This unique fundraising model combines art appreciation with philanthropy, drawing international attention and participation.
elpaisParisian Wins $1 Million Picasso in Charity Raffle
Ari Hodara, a 58-year-old sales engineer from Paris, won a Pablo Picasso painting valued at approximately $1 million after purchasing a raffle ticket for 100 euros ($117). The draw, held at Christie’s auction house in Paris on April 14, 2026, was organized by the Alzheimer Research Foundation to support medical research. Hodara won the 1941 gouache-on-paper work titled 'Head of a Woman,' which depicts Picasso’s muse Dora Maar. This event marks the third iteration of the '1 Picasso for 100 euros' lottery, having previously raised funds for cultural projects in Lebanon and hygiene programs in Africa. All 120,000 tickets were sold globally, generating 12 million euros. Of this total, 1 million euros was paid to the Opera Gallery, the painting's owner, while the remaining proceeds benefit Alzheimer's research. Gilles Dyan, founder of the Opera Gallery, provided the artwork at a preferential price compared to its public market value of 1.45 million euros. Previous winners include individuals from the United States and Italy, highlighting the international reach of this unique fundraising initiative.
nprParisian Engineer Wins Picasso Painting in Charity Lottery
Ari Hodara, a 59-year-old computer engineer from Paris, has won Pablo Picasso's 1941 painting 'Head of a Woman' through a unique charity lottery. The winning ticket was drawn randomly at Christie's auction house in Paris from a pool of 120,000 tickets sold for 100 euros each. The artwork, valued at approximately one million euros, was the grand prize of the third edition of this fundraising initiative. Hodara expressed surprise at his victory, noting that participants rarely expect to win such high-value items. The lottery generated a record 12 million euros in total revenue. These funds are designated to finance research into Alzheimer's disease, with a portion also allocated to the auction house facilitating the event. This initiative highlights an innovative approach to combining art appreciation with philanthropic efforts, allowing ordinary individuals the chance to own a masterpiece while supporting critical medical research. The event underscores the significant role of cultural assets in driving charitable contributions and public engagement in health-related causes.
repubblicaMan Wins €1m Picasso Painting in €100 Charity Raffle
Ari Hodara, a 58-year-old engineer and art enthusiast from Paris, has won an original Pablo Picasso painting valued at over €1 million through a charity raffle. Hodara learned of his victory via a video call from Christie's auction house, initially suspecting the news was a prank. The winning artwork, titled Tête de Femme (Head of a Woman), is a 1941 gouache-on-paper portrait depicting Picasso’s muse, Dora Maar. The raffle, organized by French journalist Peri Cochin with support from Picasso’s family, sold more than 120,000 tickets at €100 each, raising approximately €11 million. Of this total, €1 million will be paid to the Opera Gallery, the painting's owner, while the remaining funds are donated to France's Alzheimer's Research Foundation. This marks the third edition of the fundraising initiative, which previously supported heritage preservation in Lebanon and sanitation projects in Africa. Organizers expressed satisfaction that the winner resides in Paris, facilitating the safe delivery of the valuable piece. The event highlights a unique intersection of high-value art commerce and philanthropic efforts aimed at combating Alzheimer's disease.
BBC NewsParis Engineer Wins Rare Picasso Painting in €12 Million Alzheimer’s Charity Raffle
Ari Hodara, a 58-year-old engineer from Paris, won a rare Pablo Picasso painting titled 'Tête de femme' (1941) in a global charity raffle organized by French journalist Peri Cochin. The artwork, depicting Dora Maar and valued at over €1 million, was awarded after Hodara purchased a single €100 ticket just days before the draw. The event, livestreamed from Christie’s auction house in Paris, sold 120,000 tickets to participants across 52 countries, generating a total of €12 million. All proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation to support critical medical research. Olivier de Ladoucette, head of the foundation, emphasized the urgent need for increased funding, describing current resources as insufficient for such a major public health issue. This initiative marks the third successful raffle of a Picasso work led by Cochin, following similar events in 2013 and 2020 that benefited previous winners from the United States and Italy. The campaign aims to raise awareness and financial support for finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the intersection of high-value art philanthropy and scientific advancement.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesFrance Raffles $1M Picasso to Fund Alzheimer’s Research
A charity raffle in France is offering a Pablo Picasso painting, valued at approximately $1 million, for a ticket price of 100 euros. The event, organized by the Alzheimer Research Foundation, aims to raise funds for medical research into Alzheimer’s disease. The featured artwork, "Head of a Woman," a gouache on paper painted in 1941, will be awarded to a single winner during a draw at Christie’s auction house in Paris. This marks the third iteration of the "1 Picasso for 100 euros" initiative, following successful previous raffles in 2013 and 2020 that supported various cultural and humanitarian causes. Ticket sales are capped at 120,000, potentially generating up to 12 million euros. From this total, one million euros will be paid to the Opera Gallery, the current owner of the piece, while the remaining proceeds will support the foundation’s research efforts. Since its establishment in 2004, the foundation has become a leading private financier of Alzheimer’s research in France. The initiative combines art collection accessibility with philanthropic goals, allowing participants a rare chance to own a masterpiece while contributing to a significant health cause.
AP News€1m Picasso Painting Offered in €100 Charity Raffle for Alzheimer’s Research
A charity raffle in France is offering participants the chance to win Pablo Picasso’s 1941 gouache-on-paper portrait, Tête de Femme (Head of a Woman), valued at approximately €1 million. Tickets are priced at €100 each, with sales capped at 120,000 units, potentially generating up to €12 million in total revenue. From these proceeds, €1 million will be paid to the Opera Gallery, the international art dealership that currently owns the artwork. The remaining funds are designated for the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, which is based in a leading public hospital in Paris. This initiative follows two previous successful Picasso raffles organized by the same group, which raised over €10 million for cultural projects in Lebanon and hygiene programs in Africa. The current drawing is scheduled to take place at Christie’s auction house in Paris, where the painting is currently on public view. Organizers emphasize the charitable nature of the event, aligning with historical anecdotes about Picasso’s generosity and desire for his art to be accessible beyond the super-rich. The event highlights an innovative fundraising model combining high-value art with broad public participation for medical research.
The GuardianRaffle Offers Picasso Painting for 100 Euros to Fund Alzheimer’s Research
A unique fundraising initiative titled '1 Picasso for 100 euros' is offering a rare opportunity to win Pablo Picasso’s 1941 painting, 'Head of a Woman,' through a raffle system. Each ticket is priced at 100 euros, with the primary objective of generating substantial funds for Alzheimer’s disease research. The event is co-founded by Peri Cochin, who aims to combine art appreciation with charitable giving to support medical advancements. The artwork was publicly presented in Paris on April 10, 2026, allowing potential participants and art enthusiasts to view the piece before the final draw. The prestigious auction house Christie’s has been appointed to manage and handle the drawing process, ensuring transparency and credibility. Scheduled to take place the following week, this high-profile raffle represents an innovative approach to philanthropy, leveraging the immense cultural value of a masterwork to address a critical health challenge. By making such a valuable asset accessible through low-cost entries, the organizers hope to maximize participation and donations, ultimately contributing significantly to the ongoing fight against Alzheimer’s.
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