Marbella’s Maria Bravo diamond award « Euro Weekly News
Every great success story has a quiet beginning. Maria’s one involved a worried family, a language barrier and a refusal to look away. More than two decades on, a small act of kindness has brought Marbella’s own Maria Bravo a prestigious international award.
Diamonds of Excellence award
Maria Bravo has received the International Luxury Awards – Diamonds of Excellence, presented to Global Gift Foundation in the Foundation category. The ceremony took place at Madrid‘s Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, where more than 20 global leaders collected awards.
H.R.H. Princess Beatrice d’Orleans and Cristina Martin Blasi, Presidents of Luxury Spain, presented the awards, with presenter and writer Boris Izaguirre handing Maria her prize. “This award is for all of you,” she said, thanking volunteers, ambassadors, artists, donors, members and partners, with a special mention for Eva Longoria, Honorary Chair at the foundation.
From American hospitals to a worldwide cause
Her charity journey began in the United States, where she volunteered in hospitals as an interpreter so that Hispanic families could understand their doctors. She also supported non-profit groups helping children and families with limited resources. Back in Spain in 2013, she founded Global Gift Foundation, where it’s Global Gift Gala now travels to cities including Paris, London, Geneva, Dubai, Tokyo and Miami, raising funds and awareness for children, women and families who need it most.
Her most personal project opened in 2021: Casa Angeles, a day centre in Marbella for children and young people with special needs and their families. Tailored therapies, workshops and leisure programmes create a safe, inclusive space where every child is welcome. Her neighbours have noticed. Estepona has named a square after her, and Marbella has given her name to a roundabout, two lasting thank-yous from the Costa del Sol.
Next stop Monaco in October
Celebrations continue on Friday, October 9, when Maria will be joined by Eva Longoria to chair the second Global Gift Gala Monaco at the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Lara Fabian will perform live and journalist Sandy Heribert will host. Funds will support causes including Fight Aids Monaco and Corazones Unidos, which opens doors to education, art and music for children in underserved Mexican communities.
Both gala editions in Monaco and Marbella have also been named among the Best Events in Europe 2026 by European Best Destinations. Last tickets are available at globalgiftgala.com.
