(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Desperate Housewives-star Eva Longoria was in town for the The Global Gift Gala fundraiser a joint initiative by Dubai Cares the Eva Longoria Foundation and Sunrise K Foundation.
Eva Longoria and Dubai Cares CEO Tariq Al Gurg during a Dubai International Film Festival Press conference at Madinat Jumeirah on Sunday. — KT photo by Dhes Handumon
It’s the annual evening where the Dubai International Film Festival throws its weight behind a more philanthropic affair and this year The Global Gift Gala was no different. The Global Gift Gala is a non-profit organisation focused on making a positive impact on the lives of children women and families.
The Desperate Housewives-star Eva Longoria was in town for the The Global Gift Gala fundraiser a joint initiative by Dubai Cares the Eva Longoria Foundation and Sunrise K Foundation. The event was held at White Dubai at Meydan with local as well as international personalities bidding on premium auction items in the name of charity.
British singer Alexandra Burke provided the entertainment while actress Eva Longoria presented the evening. Her eponymous foundation that seeks to empower women in developing countries by providing funds for their education and entrepreneurism was one the main beneficiaries.
“I want the rest of the world to know how generous Dubai is in creating sustainable change throughout the world” she said at a Press conference held at title sponsor Marina Home Interiors’ Mall of the Emirates store.
“I want people to know what a generous beautiful community this is.”
Longoria describes herself as a political activist and her views on gender equality are well known. She revealed that it was only after the end of American TV series Desperate Housewives where she played one of the lead actors that she was able to dedicate more time to creating change.
This political inclination stems from Longoria’s upbringing. “I come from a family of very strong women. I have nine aunts and 23 female cousins. I have three sisters and no brothers. I didn’t have to look far for a role model.”
“My oldest sister has a mental disability. As she is my oldest sister we were born into her world. When you have a child with special needs you become very selfless.”
She called on the people of Dubai to be more selfless.
“I learned the word ‘volunteer’ very early on. Everyone should know about volunteering.
“People here have the ability to volunteer more of their time to help others.”
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