OK. Today's the day when I finally come out of the closet ("not before time", I hear many of you out there mutter) and shamelessly plug a bunch of people who are putting themselves out for a very good cause. Now I am relieved that I can combine my two current favourite hobby horses - the war in Kosovo and parties in Cannes.

As many of you know, our esteemed organ is celebrating its 10th Cannes. We had thought of celebrating this milestone by not having a party - as for the last nine years our events at the Chateau de La Napoule have been the talk of the Croisette. However, popular demand and public opinion being what they are, we have relented - but only on the condition that the main beneficiary of the charity contributions is the Médecins sans Frontières Kosovo appeal.

So it's on again - 3,000 of our closest friends out at the Chateau. We'd like to thank the following people for making this party possible through their contributions to the cause: the inspiring Jose Cuervo; the superbly refreshing Perrier; the delightfully thirst-quenching Sol and Dos Equis beers; and the suave and sophisticated Campari.

Over the years we have managed to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for a whole array of charities - and it's usually the ticket blaggers who balk at coughing up a few francs for a good cause. Take it from me - cheapskates will not be admitted. Tomorrow: we announce the angels from the industry who will donate cash contributions to make this event happen.

* Perhaps the most charming party of the last few days was the Recorded Picture Company event to celebrate the screening of The Cup in the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs. The pic is directed by Bhutanese director Khyentse Norbu, who was present with several other members of the team. Norbu, one of the most important lamas in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, was recognised at the age of seven as the incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820-92) a great religious reformer and saint. The party was also a kind of 'sayonara' for Chris Auty, who leaves his position as managing director of Recorded at the end of the month to take up his new role as chief executive of The Film Consortium. Evolution and change is a part of the Buddhist tradition and we wish Chris well in his new venture. May the Zen force be with him.

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Quotes of the day

"I am in an age group where it is rude to discuss money and now it is all anyone cares about" - Jack Nicholson

"I am always on the look-out for dust in secret places. If I see it I can't stop thinking about it until I get rid of it" - Isabella Rossellini

"I feel I have kind of out-lived my sell-by date by quite a few years" - Cliff Richard

"The question of money is really vulgar" - Jodie Foster