At several jet set locations around the world,  the scene of this most glamorous affair repeats itself.  Stepping into a sea of lights, A-List stars pose for the cameras in a display of diamonds and haute couture. This event is for the select few with an air tight guest list. It’s a black tie affair designed to make a difference with a mission to improve the lives of those in need around the world. This is Marbella’s Global Gift Gala.

The Global Gift Gala is a unique philanthropic initiative uniting a powerful collective with purpose. A world-renowned fundraising event series held each year in cities from Paris to Tokyo, the guest-list is comprised of A-List celebrities, business leaders and philanthropists with a joint mission to raise funds for vulnerable women and children in countries across the world. Every year this collective meet for highly anticipated gala events, building awareness of humanitarian work through entertaining and inspirational occasions.

The galas are organised by the Global Gift Foundation which was founded in 2013 by Spanish actress and philanthropist Maria Bravo and co-founder Alina Peralta. The foundation’s mission is to create a positive impact on the lives of women, children and families. After success in supporting other charities, the foundation developed its own projects. These initiatives focused on tackling the issues faced by vulnerable groups whilst advocating women’s empowerment and gender equality. In addition, the organisation provides practical essentials including food, health care, and shelter to those in need. Recently the foundation has launched Casa Ángeles in Marbella, a day centre for young children with disabilities and chronic illnesses to improve their quality of life. This is an organisation that drives positive change by providing an unmissable charitable occasion attended by an influential network of people looking to make a difference.

Over the years, London, Madrid, Cannes and Tokyo are just some of the world’s leading cities that have played host to the foundation’s successful fundraising galas. Hosted in exclusive 5-star hotels, this year’s event on the Costa Del Sol will be hosted at Hotel Don Pepe Gran Melia, in a picturesque garden setting. The luxurious beachfront hotel is situated overlooking the Mediterranean ocean, close to Marbella’s famous marina. The setting of each gala provides the ultimate backdrop for a celebratory occasion where guests raise funds whilst enjoying a star-studded evening full of entertainment.

At each gala, A-list stars from the world of fashion, sport, film, and entertainment join hosts Maria Bravo and American actress Eva Longoria Baston for a glittering night to remember. The award-winning actor, producer and “Desperate Housewives” alumna is the Honorary Ambassador of the foundation and its international events. Her philanthropic work centres on the Eva Longoria Foundation, which is one of the gala beneficiaries and aims to promote a better future for Latinas through education and entrepreneurship. Connecting people with similar charitable ambitions is key to the continued success of the Global Gala initiative, and the evening’s celebrations mark a culmination of months of preparations to create a successful event.

After dazzling red carpet arrivals, the evening’s proceedings begin with cocktails and co-chairs Maria Bravo and Eva Longoria Baston welcome high-profile guests. Coverage of the galas in glossy publications across the world reveals the calibre of the guestlist: previous attendees and Global Gifters include Meghan Markle, Goldie Hawn, the Beckhams and Dame Joan Collins. Recognising the philanthropic work of attendees who use their social status to promote humanitarian work, the awards element of the evening is a key highlight honouring contributions made. Previous notable award winners at the Marbella Gala include Julissa Reynoso, the United States Ambassador to Spain whose inspirational influence earned her the Global Gift Women Empowerment Award. Winners of the prestigious Global Gift Gala awards at events around the world include Paloma Faith, Adrien Brody, Mariah Carey and Holly Branson to name a few.

Following the celebration of award winners, guests dine and enjoy a decadent menu created by Hotel Don Pepe’s Executive Chef Victor Carracedo. Last year the menu chosen was from Madrid-based Zalacaín Restaurant, famous for becoming the first restaurant in Spain to be awarded 3 Michelin stars. A selection of wine from the surrounding region including Cria Cuervos and Ribera del Duero is offered during dinner, along with signature cocktails and a special toast for the evening’s celebrations. The live auction gets underway, with generous donations for prizes including works of art from Spanish sculptors and artists to raise funds for the foundation’s beneficiaries. After dining, it’s time for guests to enjoy an entertainment spectacle. Last year’s performances included singers Soleá Rodriguez and Lya, and the Spanish dancer Antonio Rodríguez before guests danced the night away to an upbeat set from British DJ Denise Van Outen.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, guests leave knowing they have participated in an extravagant evening driven by a real purpose: giving back to those in need. The work of the Global Gift Foundation to create sensational events drives the continued success of the Gift Gala initiative, with three events planned this year alone to continue the humanitarian work of the charity. For all guests, this is simply an unmissable occasion to give back whilst attending a glittering black-tie occasion they will never forget.