Several leading international celebrities including Actress, activist and philanthropist Eva Longoria and Grammy Award winner, Ricky Martin will be in Dubai next week for the first edition of 'The Global Gift Gala,' a novel fundraising initiative.

It is a unique international fundraising initiative that forms part of the 'Global Gift Foundation' platform to help raise funds and make a difference towards children and women around the world.

The Global Gift Gala in collaboration with Kaskada Management, will feature a red carpet, cocktail reception, dinner, live auction, award ceremony and entertainment with a special performances from American singer-songwriter Maxwell and the young and talented Katie Kittermaster on December 14 night.

Global Gift Foundation will be collaborating with The Eva Longoria Foundation and Sunrise K Foundation to help raise awareness towards women and children in need, said the event organisers.

It will also be teaming up with a local foundation, Noor Dubai Foundation, that unites forces to raise money to provide support and medical need to vulnerable groups in Dubai with hopes to create a world free from preventable forms of blindness.

‘The Global Gift Foundation is really growing and so I’m delighted to be presenting the first Global Gift Gala here in Dubai, especially at the fantastic supperclub Dubai. We have had phenomenal success with our galas around the world and really hope to build on this with the support and generosity from everyone here, all of whom have been so welcoming," said an excited Eva.

At the event, Eva Longoria will also be honouring humanitarian and Grammy Award winner, Ricky Martin with the ‘Global Gift Humanitarian’ Award.

Ricky is being honoured for his philanthropic and humanitarian work with the Ricky Martin Foundation, which focuses on the well-being of children around the world in critical areas such as education, health and social justice.

The award is given to individuals who raise awareness and selflessly give up their time to help socially disadvantaged communities.

“It’s a privilege to honour my dear friend Ricky with the Global Gift Humanitarian Award. He has been someone I have admired and respected for years for his endless commitment on ending the exploitation of children”, added Eva.

At the Dubai Gala, American Actor and Ex-CSI star, Gary Gourdan, will be the special guest DJ for the night. Other local and international celebrities as well as high profile influencers will also be in attendance.

This year, nearly £2 million ($3.27 million) had been raised at The Global Gift Galas in Paris, Cannes, Marbella and London with further galas taking place in Mexico, LA and Miami in early 2014.-TradeArabia News Service