The fifth annual Global Gift Gala took place in Dubai on Friday with its founder Maria Bravo bringing a whole host of big names from around the world to help raise money in the name of charity. Not only was the star-studded lineup impressive (Vanessa Williams, Adrien Brody, Luis Fonsi and Alesha Dixon were all in attendance) but the amount they raised to help victims of the Puerto Rico natural disaster that took place earlier this year, was pretty awesome too.
Together with the likes of soprano Seia Lee performing and sponsorship from the likes of Huda Kattan, Coconut Vietnam and Cindy Chao The Art Jewel a massive $500,000 was garnered from auction items like sports memorabilia and art.
While VIP guests hoped down on food from Mansour Memorial, who has two Michelin stars under his hat, the highest bid on the night went to art from Britain's Sacha Jafri. It sold for an eye-watering $275,000. Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody didn't do too badly either, with one of his artworks getting $42,000. Meanwhile, a Muhammed Ali boxing glove raised $15,000, a gold-engraved Salvador Dali item got $20,000 and a two-night stay at Royal Mansoor Marrakesh sold for $16,000.
As much as the charity efforts were super important, the entertainment was another factor of the successful night. "Despacito" hitmaker belted out the song of the year and Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award nominee Vanessa Williams, who brought her birthday girl mother along as her date, even demonstrated her vocal talent onstage.
