In Miami, there’s always a reason to celebrate; and Thursday, December 7th, was certainly no exception.
Kicking off Art Basel weekend, the Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel dazzled with celebrities, musicians, artists, philanthropists and other distinguished guests as The Global Gift Gala returned to the Magic City for its annual Art Basel fête. In a night filled with passionate speeches, star-studded musical performances, a feast, a champagne reception and an art auction, this charitable gala brought together hundreds of A-listers, like Global Gift Foundation Honorary Chairs Eva Longoria Bastón and Ricky Martin, to raise money for hurricane recovery efforts in struggling Puerto Puerto. And in true Miami fashion, the evening did not disappoint.
When Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico in September 2017, bringing tremendous devastation to the island and leaving all of its residents without power, The Global Gift Foundation, an organization committed to fighting poverty, health, education and social injustice, knew it needed to do something to help. In response, it teamed up with the charitable organizations of its Honorary Chairs, the Eva Longoria Foundation and Ricky Martin Foundation, to host a star-studded gala that would raise money for a part of the United States that desperately needs our help.
Starting this sold-out event with a cocktail reception, glasses clinked as Miami’s most beautiful people swirled around the Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel ballroom donning the season’s most striking gowns. A-list guests—like Serena Williams, Adrienne Bailon, Domingo Zapata and Zuleyka Rivera, to name a few—walked the red carpet and grabbed their seats as countless tables, filled to the brim with partygoers, hovered under a magical setting of glittering chandeliers, deep purple mood lighting and fairytale-like flowers in blush pinks, reds and corals.
As waiters spun around carrying trays of porcini-crusted Angus beef tenderloin with a sherry vinegar demi, salty caramel chocolate tart and mango coconut panna cotta, guests in attendance were treated to surprise musical performances by Ednita Nazario, Adrienne Bailon and Israel Houghton, Oskar Cartaya and Jeimy Osorio. MSNBC’s Mariana Atencio emceed the event, and a live art auction sold pieces by standout artists, including Domingo Zapata and Alexander Mijares, the money from which went directly to the victims of Hurricane Maria through The Global Gift Foundation.
Making a point to honor those who have been making a difference already, Eva Longoria Bastón took a moment to present international recording artist and known philanthropist, Miguel Bosé, with the Global Gift Foundation Humanitarian Award, an award that recognizes those individuals “who have distinguished themselves through exceptional philanthropic service and activism.”
Demonstrating their commitment to the Puerto Rican people, Eva Longoria Bastón and Ricky Martin, longtime advocates for the Latin community, gave impassioned speeches about their love for Puerto Rico, first hand accounts about the state of the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, and most importantly, their dedication to restoring its beauty and spirit.
“I am angry, and I won’t stop talking about it,” said Ricky Martin, Grammy Award-winning singer and founder of the Ricky Martin Foundation. “Puerto Rico is my home, and they need our help.”
Having raised $50K+ in ticket sales alone during last night’s stunning event, the Global Gift Foundation promises the residents of Puerto Rico one thing for sure: help is on the way.
Haute Living was proud to be the exclusive media partner of this event.
Photos by: Jay Wiggs
