DUBAI: Eva Longoria Bastón, Melanie Griffith, Will Poulter, Luke Hemsworth, Jeffrey Wright, Anastacia and Andie MacDowell joined forces in Dubai Monday night for the glamorous charity fundraiser “The Global Gift Gala”, which was hosted by the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) and UAE-based philanthropic organization, Dubai Cares at the Four Seasons Hotel during the 13th edition of the festival.
Two awards were given throughout the night. The Global Gift Humanitarian Award was awarded to Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe winning Hollywood actress Melanie Griffith. Owner and vice president of Apparel Group, Sima Ved was presented with The Global Gift Philantropreneur Award.
Hosted by Tom Urqhart, guests were entertained with an exclusive lineup of performances from stars.
A Sarah Jessica Parker experience that offered supporters the chance to have a shoe in her next collection named after them, fly to New York for the launch and meet SJP herself was auctioned off for $17,000; a unique Pablo Picasso Book of Drawings and Writings signed by Picasso was auctioned off for $28,000 and was purchased by Melanie Griffith; Eva Longoria Bastón offered supporters the chance to join her in Paris in May at the Four Seasons George V and celebrity chef, Gary Rhodes offered supporters a dining experience with him and 20 of their friends.
Longoria commented on the evening, “Dubai has a really special place in my heart and I love coming back year after year to this event with the Dubai International Film Festival and Dubai Cares. Last night was great, empowerment of women took center stage and we think everyone had a great time. Most importantly we raised lots of funds for the foundations which is why we are here!”
Hollywood stars come out for DIFF charity gala
Hollywood stars come out for DIFF charity gala
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
