After celebrating The Global Gift Gala for the tenth consecutive year. This year’s Gala counted with the support of some of the world’s most relevant personalities and raised funds for numerous non-profit organizations that support the lives of children and families in need around the world.
London, October 22th of 2019: Last Thursday Global Gift Foundation celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Global Gift Gala London in the UK capital. the Kimpton Fitzroy London was the exceptional scenery that hosted this celebration that empowers women and supports children and families in medical, social, and educational needs.
The 2019 Global Gift Gala London was held in partnership with the Global Gift Foundation, the Eva Longoria Foundation and Variety GB.
The Chair and organizer of the event, the Spanish actress, model and entrepreneur, Maria Bravo, was accompanied by two of her dearest friends, Eva Longoria and Melanie Griffith, who acted as Honorary Chairs.
The MC of the Gala was the comedian, bestselling author and actor, David Walliams.
The Global Gift Gala in London saw a whole host of stars from the world of music, fashion and television join together to raise funds and make a difference in the lives of children and women around the world.
Guests included Global Gift Foundation Ambassadors like Carlos Sobera (actor and presenter), Patricia Santamarina (entrepreneur and producer), Lorena Bernal (actress), Gary Dourdan (actor), Robert Pires(Coach and ex-football player) and Katie Piper (celebrity and model).
Other relevant personalities that attended and supported the Foundation were Amanda Holden (presenter), Denise Van Outen (actress, singer and model), Nilam Holmes (philanthropist and entrepreneur), amongst many others.
Guests at the event were treated to an incredible live performance by Brit Award winner and No.1 UK singer, songwriter and actress, Paloma Faith.
During the Gala, the Foundation presented 6 awards in recognition for humanitarian commitment to charity, philanthropic solidarity, or involvement in improving the lives of children and families in need.
Humanitarian Awards
Simon Cowell, who was unable to attend, was awarded the Philanthropists’ Award for the extensive charitable support he has given to countless charities throughout his career. The Award was received on his behalf by Amanda Holden.
Simon commented via video message: “Thank you Eva, Maria and Melanie for this award, it is both a surprise and an honour. I’m very touched! More importantly, tonight is about the three foundations that you’re supporting, and I’d like to ask everyone tonight to please dig deep into your pockets and give back because it is really important. I regret that you had to have David host the event… apparently, he was the only one available! Unfortunately, I’m not able to be with you as I’m in LA finishing filming BGT, but I’d like to ask Amanda to accept the award on my behalf. My sincere thanks, again, for this and for everything that you guys are doing.”
Robert Pires received the Global Gift Excellence Award, whilst H.E. Tariq Al Guru and Brian Travers were both recognized with the Global Gift Humanitarian Award. Paloma Faith and Elena Likhach received the Global Gift Empowerment Award.
Upon receiving the Humanitarian Award, H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares said: “I am deeply honored to receive this humanitarian award from the Global Gift Foundation. A lot has been accomplished over that past 12 years with Dubai Cares. The team and I remain committed to ensuring that all children and youth around the world have equitable access to quality education opportunities. Without them, our future is one of uncertainty. So, let’s ensure a great future for all of humanity by supporting the children and youth of today.”
James Corden donated tickets to the auction adding via video message: “Congratulations to Eva, Maria and Melanie for the 10th Global Gift Gala. Harold Tillman told me that you have chosen Variety as this year’s beneficiary charity for its 70th birthday – what an incredible partnership! We’re excited, in return, to support it with tickets to come here and see the Late Late Show in LA. I’m sorry I can’t be there tonight, but we look forward to seeing some of you right here soon.”
Maria Bravo, Founder of the Global Gift Foundation, says: “I am delighted to join forces with the Eva Longoria Foundation and Variety, the Children’s Charity
for this very special evening of hope and inspiration. Their work transforms the lives of so many disabled and disadvantaged young people in our communities; in large measure, this is accomplished thanks to our sponsors Kimpton Fitzroy London, Eyebrowqueen, Sheeva London and Maupy Worldwide, as well as countless other collaborators that enable us improve the lives of these children and their families in the UK and abroad.
“Acknowledging Simon Cowell for his philanthropic work seemed most appropriate, given the nature of the three charities involved in this fundraising Gala. Simon has offered extensive support to numerous charities for many years, particularly those that support children. We’re so pleased to be able to recognise his hard work.” Said Maria Bravo.
Eva Longoria Baston, Founder of the Eva Longoria Foundation said: “It is a pleasure to partner with the Global Gift Foundation and Variety the Children’s Charity for this year’s Global Gift Gal. It’s always a special evening, but this year we awarded some incredibly deserving philanthropists”.
Harold Tillman CBE, Chief Barker and Chair of the Board of Variety, added: “It is Variety’s 70th Anniversary so the Global Gift Gala is such an important celebration for us – Simon Cowell is a magnificent supporter of Variety, known as the show business charity, which has helped more than one million children. I would also like to add my thanks to David Walliams for hosting the gala and for being Variety’s 70th birthday ambassador, we are extremely grateful to him for his generous commitment.”
Another important recognition was given to the Moshiri family, in gratitude for their unconditional and continued commitment and support to the Global Gift Foundation and Casa Global Gift.
Live Auction
The generous hearts congregated at the Global Gift Gala raised an outstanding amount of funds for the 3 charities involved. Silent and Live Auctions were held throughout the evening. The highlight of the night was the masterpiece generously donated by leading British artista, Global Gift Ambassador and Global Gift Humanitatian Award, Sacha Jafri, which was auctioned for 250,000 GBP.
Looking after the children
During Maria Bravo’s stay in London she visited, alongside with Eva Longoria and Melanie Griffith, the Vale School to learn, first-hand, about the outstanding work Variety does with children with special needs. It was a very emotional and rewarding morning receiving the love of the children.
Variety improves the lives of children and young people who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged. Variety does so by providing practical help (such as Sunshine Coaches, wheelchairs, and specific equipment) and memorable childhood experiences.
Buckingham Palace
On October 15th Maria Bravo was invited to Buckingham Palace for the celebration of Variety’s 70th anniversary, where she had pleasure meeting HRH the Duke of Kent. Eva Longoria and Melanie Griffith accompanied her.
It was and emotional evening celebrating Variety and their accomplishments. Harrold Tillman TBE, Variety’s Chairman, gave a wonderful speech recognizing the work Maria Bravo and Global Gift Foundation does.
Global Gift Foundation is already working on its next Global Gift Gala which will take place in Dubai December 17th. It will be the 7th edition of the Gala in Emirates and where Eva Longoria and Melanie Griffith have already confirmed to attend.
About Global Gift Foundation:
The Global Gift Foundation is a non-profit charity whose goal is to create positive changes in development, wellness, health care and social inclusion of the most vulnerable. The Foundation helps provide shelter, food, clothing, education, medical care and other vital needs to vulnerable groups, particularly children and women in need.
Created in 2013 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Maria Bravo, the foundation supports projects from different organizations around the world and has recently launched its own, Global Gift House, a multifunctional centre for children with rare or chronic diseases that is located in the city of Marbella and that will shelter at least 5 non-profit charitable organizations of the zone; Adisol (Association of Diabetics of the Costa del Sol), ADAHIMAR (Social Association of Attention Deficit Disorders and Hyperactivity), CADI (Center for Childhood Diversity Care), Association against Cystic Fibrosis and Bubble and Dreams (Without a diagnosis).
About Eva Longoria Foundation
Eva Longoria Foundation helps Latina girls to finish their studies so they can go to college and gives women the opportunity to reach their full potential by providing them with training that empowers them through education and entrepreneurship.
About Variety, the Children’s Charity
Variety believes that neither disability nor disadvantage should prevent a child from realising their full potential. This year, Variety will celebrate its 70th anniversary in the UK, having been founded in October 1949. In this time, the charity has supported almost one million disabled and disadvantaged children.
Variety launched in the United States in 1928 and is the oldest international children’s charity. It has divisions across 13 countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Jersey, Republic of Ireland, France, Israel, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean) helping children at the local community level.
Variety is a registered charity in England and Wales (209259) and Scotland (SC038505).
About Kimpton Fitzroy London
Kimpton Fitzroy London launched in October 2018. Overlooking Bloomsbury’s Russell Square and clad in thé-au-lait terracotta, the hotel was originally designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll in 1898. In its new guise as Kimpton Fitzroy London, it boasts 334 bedrooms and suites, ranging from city singles and guest rooms to 39 suites, some with views of Russell Square. The hotel also has four restaurants and bars, Neptune, Fitz’s, Burr and Co. and Palm Court, as well as eight meeting and events spaces and a ballroom.
San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is the original boutique hotel company, which pioneered the concept of unique, distinctive, design-forward hotels in the United States in 1981. Anchored in one-of-a-kind experiences, Kimpton now operates more than 60 hotels and 80 restaurants, bars and lounges across urban locations, resort destinations and up and coming markets in the United States, Europe, Caribbean and Greater China. Kimpton spaces and experiences center on its guests, offering inspiring design that evokes curiosity to forward-thinking flavours that feed the soul. Every detail is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered, so that guest experiences remain meaningful, unscripted and ridiculously personal.
Kimpton’s employees, empowered to provide heartfelt service and experiences, have built a highly regarded workplace culture that appears consistently on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list.
In January 2015, Kimpton became part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) family of hotel brands. For more information, visit www.KimptonHotels.com.