An exciting and solemn concert-performance filled the hall of the NHC Cultural House in Burgas to the brim, where the Home Social Patronage celebrated its half-century history. The event, which became a celebration of humanity and empathy, gathered hundreds of residents and guests of the city to honor the tireless work of the people who have dedicated themselves to caring for the elderly and vulnerable. The atmosphere was filled with emotion and gratitude, and the stage became a podium of thanks.
Mayor Dimitar Nikolov: For 50 years, your mission has been to give care
Mayor Dimitar Nikolov sent an emotional message to the patronage team, emphasizing the significance of their mission.
"For 50 years, your mission has been to give care, attention, and support to the elderly and vulnerable people in our city. This is a calling that requires heart, humanity, and perseverance – qualities that you prove every day", he stated. The mayor highlighted the development of the service over the years, which is constantly being upgraded to meet the needs of citizens. In a personal and heartfelt tone, he addressed the current manager, Valentina Stankova, with a wish that she also pay attention to her family, because as he jokingly noted,
"whenever I call her, she's always at work".
A central part of the event was a special film that traced the path of the Home Patronage from its very beginning in 1975 to the present day. The documentary footage told the story of the first steps, challenges, and successes that have shaped the institution. After the screening, to the thunderous applause of the audience, two of the key figures in the history of the patronage came on stage – its first managers, Lina Manolova and Lilia Dimitrova. Their presence underscored the continuity and deep dedication with which the organization has worked throughout all these decades.
Valentina Stankova: We will continue with the same dedication
The current manager, Valentina Stankova, also shared her impressions of the celebration.
"This is the sixth time I've watched this performance, given the rehearsals, but I must say, I was strongly moved again, because all of this has passed through us, through our labor, through our emotions", she said. Stankova assured that the team will continue to work with the same devotion, appealing for strength so they can continue to give help and support.
"The Patronage team and I promise that we will continue with the same dedication. I wish them a lot of strength because we still have more to give", she said.
Musical program and special participants
The musical program of the performance was enriched with the participation of talented artists who contributed to the festive atmosphere. Among them were:
- the rock violin virtuoso Viktor Petrov
- the dancers Gergana Velikova and Ivan Dochev from KTC "Pomorie"
- the quartet of trumpeters from NUMSI "Prof. Pancho Vladigerov"
- the actor Nikola Parashkevo
The event was not just a celebration of an anniversary, but an occasion to pay tribute to a long-standing mission built on the foundations of care, compassion, and professionalism.