Dubai, December 18th: The prestigious international philanthropic fundraising platform, Global Gift Gala, created by entrepreneur and activist, Maria Bravo, was held last night at the Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah and presented by one of the most influential beauty brands in the world, Huda Beauty.
The chair of the magical evening, Maria Bravo, was accompanied by honorary chairs, actress, director and activist, Eva Longoria Baston and founder, philanthropist and creator, Huda Kattan.
The ceremony saw honorary chair, Eva Longoria, share a speech on the importance of the gala, “Dubai is one of our largest fundraisers because of the generosity of this community. Global Gift Foundation and the Eva Longoria Foundation was created on the belief that every woman should have an equal chance to succeed and be the best she can be by helping them to build better futures for themselves and their families. By providing them with an education and entrepreneurship we are giving women and girls the tools they need to reach their full potential. Tonight, we hope to be able to help hundreds of women & children around the world.”
The gala opened with an outstanding performance by Egyptian singer and Arab Idol winner, Carmen Soliman. The legendary, Gipsy Heritage the flamenco singer, Sabrina Romero, also provided entertainment for guests and Enjy Kiwanand Tom Urquhart, were once again the exceptional Masters of Ceremony for the evening.
Huda Kattan also took to the stage to commend the Global Gift alliance in supporting women’s empowerment and helping children, “I’m so thrilled and honored that Huda Beauty is partnering with Global Gift this year. Maria and Eva, you are truly amazing!”
Auctioneer and committed Global Gift Foundation supporter, Jonny Gould, lead the outstanding fundraising efforts in aid of Dubai Cares and Global Gift Foundation, which this year supported the Eva Longoria Foundation, Harmony House India and Casa Global Gift. As part of the year’s auction, renowned British artist, Sacha Jafri, donated four of his master pieces. Recalling the process of curating such emotive art the artist said: “Although it took me 3 months to paint it, I needed 42 years to create them”.
During the evening María Bravo stated, “Tonight is all about women’s empowerment and making a difference, and that is exactly what we are doing. I’m so proud of everything we are achieving with The Global Gift platform; it just goes from strength to strength.”
Commitment and Alliance
The association between Dubai Cares and Global Gift Foundation remains with their commitment of improving the lives of thousands of women and children around the world, in favor of education, inclusion and empowerment.
His Excellency, Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, who could not be present during the evening, expressed heartfelt words that moved the foundation of this alliance, “This gathering of powerful players in the humanitarian and development field has evolved into a family with strong roots, bonds and commitment to bringing hope to underserved and vulnerable people around the world. We are happy to end the year with the Global Gift Gala, a successful event that has been making an impact around the world for many years now. I also thank all donors who have made generous contributions during the Gala. I hope they join us once again next year.”
Philanthropy Awards
Global Gift Foundation awarded the successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mona Kattan, with the Global Gift Women’s Empowerment Award, for her years of hard work helping to change lives every day, which was presented by Bollywood actress, Jacqueline Fernandez. Upon receiving her award Mona Kattan thanked her peers, “Thank you Eva and Maria because you are such an inspiration. Huda for being such a role model, and to my dad for being the most generous man I know.”
Entrepreneur and TV Presenter, Rosemin Madhavji, received the Global Gift We Believe in People Award, for her social commitment to Global Gift Foundation. Patrick Chalhoub was the recipient of the Global Gift Humanitarian Award in recognition of his personal and professional career for being an example of giving back to the community through philanthropy. The Global Gift Young Philanthropist Award was given to Jaahnnvi Shastri in recognition for her selfless and inspiring journey at such a young age. Chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al-Habtoor received the Global Gift Humanitarian Award for his enthusiasm and commitment to improving the lives of people in need within the UAE.
A poignant moment of the evening was a tribute in memory of the international chef, Gary Rhodes, for his support and generosity over the years towards Global Gift Foundation’s cause.
Supporters
Year after year, a group of influential and socially responsible like-minded individuals come together as the Global Gift Honorary Committee Board Member of Dubai, which this year was formed by Edwina Viel, Lucy Bruce, Genevieve Pantin, Namrata and Vikram Shroff, Sima Ved, Nicholas Narsavidze and Samara Punjabi, who assisted with connecting the dots in the community of Dubai.
The Global Gift Gala Dubai, wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our generous corporate sponsors and collaborators, providing the Global Gift Foundation the opportunity to raise the majority of the funds for the foundation’s beneficiaries. A big thank you to the presenting sponsor of the 7th Global Gift Gala Dubai, Huda Beauty, together with KAYALI, HB Angels and HB Investments.
On the glamourous evening, the flower arrangements were designed by Alissar and were accompanied by stunning production from Flair Events. Dubai Tourism DTCM, once again, continued their loyal support they have shown over the years. Faux Consultancy very generously donated their services as the communications partner of Global Gift Gala 2019.Studio K captured the magic of the evening in film and photography. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts supported the foundation by hosting the staff involved at this year’s Global Gift Gala. Insignia Worldwide and Apparel Group supported the organizations again this year, as well as Dubai Tourism and the worldwide online auction team, Sixteen-10.
AGK Aviation/Rota Giorgino, Disneyland Paris, Amstur Caviar, Times Square, Le Clos, Insignia and Rami Al Ali are also committed supporters of Global Gift Foundation’s cause.
Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries are Dubai Cares and Global Gift Foundation, in support of Harmony House India, the Eva Longoria Foundation and Casa Global Gift.
Dubai Cares plays a key role in helping achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning by 2030, by supporting programs in early childhood development, access to quality primary and secondary education, technical and vocational education and training for youth as well as a particular focus on education in emergencies and protracted crises.
Gender equality is a cross-cutting theme in all Dubai Cares’ education programs with an approach that aims to secure equal access for boys and girls to safe learning environments with adequate facilities, materials and academic support from gender sensitized teachers and communities.
Global Gift Foundation provides economic and logistical support to vulnerable individuals and families in need. The Foundation supports Women’s Empowerment and advocates for gender equality, education and professional development. The Global Gift Foundation also supports other non-profit, fiscally responsible associations and organizations in need around the world. It also carries out its own projects such as Casa Global Gift, a multifunctional center for over 300 children with special needs and their families at which social inclusion is one of its main goals.
- Harmony HouseIndia offers education, nutrition, medical and hygiene facilities, professional training and social welfare to children, between 6 months and 17 years of age who live in some of the poorest areas of Delhi.
- Eva Longoria Foundation empowers Latina women through education, entrepreneurship coaching, aiding young women to complete their studies, as well as providing women with education, mentorships, training and granting capital for their businesses.
About the Global Gift Gala
The Global Gift Gala is a unique international fundraising gala initiative. This platform brings together the worlds of business, celebrity and philanthropy to raise funds and awareness. They unite forces to create a substantial difference in the lives of countless children and women worldwide.