Overview
- The live fundraiser begins at 20:15 on ZDF with Johannes B. Kerner leading the 25th edition from Berlin.
- Musical guests include Andrea Berg, Roland Kaiser, Santiano, Sarah Connor and pianist Lang Lang, with the Ehrlich Brothers slated to perform.
- A Wilsberg-style opening features actor Leonard Lansink before he joins the donation hotline at 01802/10 10 10.
- Public figures staffing phones include Dunja Hayali, Katarina Witt, Wladimir Klitschko, Uschi Glas, Sophia Thomalla, Sandra Maischberger and Hannes Jaenicke, alongside politicians Johann Wadephul, Lars Klingbeil, Karin Prien and Manuela Schwesig.
- Early appeals highlight Leyla and Mike Heiter’s €20,000 pledge and Thomas Gottschalk’s call to give, while organizers say every euro donated goes directly to child-aid projects because Axel Springer covers overhead.