Hollywood actress and philanthropist Eva Longoria attended a world class charitable event in Abu Dhabi with A-listers on the red carpet. Over one million US dollars were raised at the prestigious fundraising gala.
The Global Gift Gala joined forces for the first time with the Abu Dhabi Dream Ball, a high-profile charity event aimed at making a real difference in the lives of refugee women and children in the Middle East. On Thursday, December 9, Abu Dhabi Dream Ball and Global Gift Gala raised over one million US dollars for the Lebanese Red Cross.
The event held at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, close to the location of the anticipated Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was supported by the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet member and the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who had the opening speech:
“It gives me great pleasure to join you for this year’s Abu Dhabi Dream Ball, a splendid evening that celebrates hope, inspiration, and human fraternity. This annual Dream Ball is an opportunity to display our desire, indeed our commitment, to providing life opportunities to those women, children, and families who most need our support. It also provides an occasion to honour and celebrate the community spirit on display here this evening. Your partnership this year with the Global Gift Foundation allows you to explore and realize new ways for improving the lives of women and children in our country and around the world.”
The gala was chaired by Global Gift Foundation founder Maria Bravo, dedicated to philanthropic events worldwide to help raise funds and make a difference towards children and women across the globe.
“I am delighted that we joined forces with one of the most prestigious events in the UAE social calendar, The Abu Dhabi Dream Ball. The annual gala makes a real difference to the lives of refugee women and children in the Middle East, and it was an honour to be a part of the event. Furthermore, the generosity of all the global sponsors allows for the funds raised to go directly toward the benefitting causes,” said Maria Bravo.
Co-chairs included Nadine Maalouf and Nadia Sehweil, the founders of Sawtouna, a collective of influential women based in Abu Dhabi committed to promoting volunteerism and developing the potential of women and children through supporting meaningful charitable causes, in partnership with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.
Global Gift ambassadors were Huda Kattan and Mona Kattan, and honorary chair, actress and philanthropist Eva Longoria Baston.
Pop star Anastasia set the stage on fire
Guests were entertained by performances from international singer – songwriter and recent winner of The Masked Singer Australia Anastacia, soprano Angelica de la Riva and international pop sensations Gipsy Reyes Heritage. TV and radio presenter Tom Urquhart hosted the world class event alongside entrepreneur and influencer Rosemin Madhavji. Glamorous VIP guests included football legend Clarence Seedorf, Egyptian Hollywood film actor Mohammed Karim, UK TV personality Nick Ede. Leading social media talents Mony Helal and Raghad Fahmi were invited by the official influencer agency partner of the Abu Dhabi Dream Ball, ITP Live.
