By Invitation Only |SLIDESHOW OF THE EVENT

SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT PA2F-USA

With the excitement of the 2011 Monaco F1 Grand Prix just a hair-pin turn away, the Consulate General of Monaco and the Consulate General of Argentina in New York, come together to celebrate one of Formula 1's most thrilling legends, “El Maestro”, Juan Manuel Fangio. To mark the 100th anniversary of his birth, and his legacy of excellence, the Consulate General of Monaco and Monaco Government Tourist Office introduce the limited edition "Cuvée Monaco" from Algodon Wine Estates.

Monaco's Formula One Grand Prix

Every year, on the last weekend in May, the most prestigious Formula One race of the season takes place on the streets of the Principality. The circuit’s tight corners, hairpin turns and narrow course make it one of the most demanding tracks in car racing. The ultimate test in driving skills, the Monaco Grand Prix is THE race the world’s best drivers all want to win. First held in 1929 and organized each year by the Automobile Club de Monaco, the circuit has been called by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) “an exceptional location of glamour and prestige”. It is considered one of the most important automobile races in the world. The Grand Prix has been held under the patronage of three generations of Monaco's Sovereigns, Prince Louis II, Prince Rainier III and now Prince Albert II.

In 2011, the 69th Monaco F1 Grand Prix will be held from May 26 to 29.

Juan Manuel Fangio, The Argentinian Master

“You must always strive to be the best, but you must never believe that you are.” Juan Manuel Fangio, 1958.

Born in 1911 in Argentina, Juan Manuel Fangio dominated the first decade of Formula 1 racing. It was only in 1948 that he was first invited to race in Europe. A string of successes followed and he was taken on by the Alfa Romeo team for the 1950 season. Fangio won the first ever hat-trick (pole position, fastest lap and overall victory) in Formula 1 history at the Monaco Grand Prix on 21 May 1950 – his first Grand Prix win. He won the World Driver’s Championship five times: 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956 & 1957, a record which stood for 46 years until Michael Schumacher’s sixth win in 2003. With the highest percentage of wins from starts, Fangio is still regarded as the greatest driver of all time.

“Cuvée Monaco” from Algodon Wine Estates

The Consulate General of Monaco in New York is honored to introduce “Cuvée Monaco”, a limited-edition tribute to Fangio. Argentina’s lively, colorful culture has forever charmed Monégasques, and that bright spirit is perhaps best embodied in the Mendoza region wines for which it has become world famous. Algodon Vineyard is a splendid 2,050 acre estate resting at the base of the snowcapped Andes in San Rafael, Mendoza, a province often referred to by wine connoisseurs as "the Napa Valley of Argentina." www.algodonwineestates.com

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation - USA

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation was established in 2006 by His Serene Highness. Prince Albert to continue the Principality’s legacy of environmental stewardship and its commitment to conserve the world’s natural environment. The Foundation supports sustainable and ethical projects especially in the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar regions and the world’s least developed countries. Its focus is on three main challenges: climate change,; combating the loss of biodiversity; and water management. It has opened chapters in France, Switzerland, the UK, Italy and Germany, in Canada and, in 2008, the USA. Since its inception, 100+ projects have benefited from Foundation grants totaling more than $US23 million. www.pa2f.org

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