- The first edition of ‘The Global Gift Gala Madrid’ took place last night at Spanish capital’s iconic Palacio de Cibeles, home to the City Hall
- Eva Longoria, Amaury Nolasco (Prision Break & co star of Longoria’s Telenovela), Spanish personalities representing their benefited Foundations at the Gala; British band Stooshe (Global Gifters) performed live and shared stage with Spanish artists for attendees bidding at the fundraising auction
- Longoria received ‘Premio Prestigio Rioja’ for her philanthropic profile, career and enhancement of Spanish culture; The ‘Global Gift Philanthropreneur Award’ to the Helmer Family, handbag and accessory firm 100% committed to craftsmanship and fair commerce
- Funds will be distributed to four organizations: Eva Longoria Foundation, Bertin Osborne Foundation, Isabel Gemio Foundation and Global Gift Foundation
April, 3rd 2016, Madrid. Global Gift Foundation celebrates its first ‘Global Gift Gala Madrid’ coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day. The event has been hosted by Honorary Chair Maria Bravo and Eva Longoria acted as Global Gift Ambassador. The donations collected with the fundraising auction will go to social projects developed by Eva Longoria Foundation (Latina empowerment in the US through education and business training), Bertin Osborne Foundation (assistance programs aimed at families with children with brain damage), Isabel Gemio Foundation (muscular dystrophy and rare diseases) and Global Gift Foundation.
In her speech, Global Gift cofounder Maria Bravo was “greatly thankful to all Global Gifters present for sharing such a special day for the philanthropic community. Our hearts are with the people with autism and their families. Global Gift Foundation is committed to helping them”. Donations to the Foundation will go to Casa Global Gift Marbella (Costa del Sol, Spain), a multifunctional facility that gives professional and technical assistance to children with chronic diseases and their families, as well as to children with autism.
Bravo had kind words for all attendees and Eva Longoria’s generous endorsement, “your presence in this Gala contributes to the consolidation of the philanthropic culture, so more events like this one can take place and help people in need.”
Spanish philanthropic figure Padre Angel (Head of NGO ‘Mensajeros de la Paz’), ‘Global Gift Humanitarian Award’ recipient in 2015, highlighted his shared vision with Longoria, “the struggle to raise my friends’ awareness so they commit to a life more open to others. Only here at this Gala we can find more than enough good willed hearts necessary to change the world. You have already taken the first step: to ignite global awareness and understand that together we are stronger.”
Exclusive batches at the fundraising auction
Attendees bided for exclusive batches in 2 auctions, live and silent. The Eva Longoria Experience, one of the most expected, will have the highest bidder accompany Longoria to the next Cannes Film Festival and spend an evening with her and the rest of International film stars the glamour of the Grand Palais.
Other batches auctioned: a colorful portrait of Eva Longoria by one of the actresses’ preferred artists Adrian Torres; an exclusive personal portrait created on site by Begoña Summers during the Gala; a unique Rioja wine selection; or an ‘haute cuisine’ course at Le Cordon Bleu Madrid.
The silent auction (33 batches) was done using a specific app designed for the occasion by Charity Stars , the online fundraising platform which auctions off unique celebrity experiences and memorabilia for the benefit of charities. Exclusive art pieces by Joan Miró and Andy Warhol have been auctioned. Olga Shapiro’s canvas was also auctioned. Olga had tumor surgery done in 2014. Global Gift Foundation donated 8000€ for this successful operation. Other batches included pieces donated by Fernando Alonso, Magic Johnson and articles of major luxury brands.
Helmer Family, ‘Global Gift Philanthropreneur Award’
Global Gift Awards are special recognitions given to personalities who change people’s lives in situations of need thanks to their personal and professional involvement and compromise with social and humanitarian causes.
Eva Longoria gave the ‘Global Gift Philanthropreneur Award’ to the Helmer Family. The Helmers design handbags and accessories craftily manufactured in Bali under sustainability and fair commerce parameters. The matriarch Shevanne Helmer, along with her daughters Michelle and Danielle, received the Award and declared to be “honoured to be recognised by the Global Gift Gala, and receive the prestigious Global Gift Philanthropreneur Award. We have endeavoured to weave a sense of social responsibility into the fabric of Helmer, and are thrilled to receive the recognition from a fellow organisation striving to improve the lives of women and children around the world, as well as bringing to attention the fantastic work of the Safe Childhoods Foundation.”
3 Top Chefs’ contributions to the philanthropic Gala
The Global Gift Gala dinner menu was prepared by Spanish renowned Chefs Diego Guerrero (Dstage) and Mario Sandoval (Coque), both winners of Two Michelin Stars; and Adolfo Muñoz (National Gastronomy Award 2013).
Global Gifters, allies to change the world
Global Gifters contribute to strengthen society’s involvement in the causes of Global Gift Foundation (children, women, health and social assistance). They are involved in communication activities, awareness and mobilization of resources, as well as making direct donations. Within this group of ambassadors the Foundation counts on the support of global philanthropists, actors and sportsmen, as well known as David Beckham; Ricky Martin; Amaury Nolasco; Vicente del Bosque; Victoria Beckham; Lara Fabian; Nikos Aliagas; Manolo Santana; Jordi Molla; Pitbull; Jane Fonda; Maxwell; Terrence Howard and Shemar Moore, among others. Together they form part of a supportive ecosystem that allows projects of the Global Gift Foundation become a reality worldwide.
The most well known Global Gift Foundation’s events are The Global Gift Galas, which are celebrated in 12 different and exciting cities around the world. Paris, London, Dubai, Los Angeles, Mexico, Cannes and now Madrid, among others. The objective is to create awareness and collect funds for local, National and International projects developed by fiscally responsible charity organizations.
Global Gift Foundation’s sponsors are: D.O.Ca. Rioja, AC Hotels, Revista SEMANA, Rosa Clará, Nicoe Arts & Design, and collaborators Madrid City Hall, Boutique Gym, Cabify, Solán de Cabras y Follie Follie.
About Global Gift Foundation
Global Gift Foundation is a philanthropic nonprofit organization whose main objective is to create a positive impact in women, children and family’s lifestyle who live in a situation of need. Founded in 2013 by Maria Bravo and Alina Peralta’s hand it is them two who personally compromise making sure donations collected by the foundation are sent to associations foundations and ONG’s fiscally responsible. Global Gifters support and benefited organizations allow to get a bigger social transformation impact.