In the golden heart of Monaco, the Hôtel de Paris’s famed Salle Empire was reborn, if only for one night, as a temple of benevolence and beauty. On Saturday, 4 October, the Principality inaugurated its first Global Gift Gala, transforming a night of elegance into a gesture of hope.
Eva Longoria’s Arrival at the Empire
Eva Longoria, the Foundation’s honorary chair, stepped from the Paris runways into Monaco’s embrace, as though bridging glamour and compassion in a single stride. Her presence, luminous and intentional, marked the evening’s keynote. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the gala’s true architect was quietly present. Camille Gottlieb was busy weaving alliances, managing details, and drawing Monaco onto the map of this international philanthropic movement.
Guests arrived under the soft glow of the Monte Carlo twilight, a procession of gowns, tuxedos and whispered greetings. The red carpet served as a runway for both cause and couture. Among the assembled, Monaco’s own joined the tableau: Princess Stéphanie, her children, Louis and Marie Ducruet, and Alexandre Grimaldi stood by the event’s side in solidarity.
Between Chiffon and Cause
Over dinner in the opulent Salle Empire, with its gilded arches and crystal chandeliers conversation followed a dual current: the night’s spectacle, and the children, women, families whose lives might be transformed by the funds pledged. The program weaved performances and purpose: Vitaa lent her voice to the cause; Lior Suchard, the mentalist, bent minds to wonder; and Christina Milian was on the list to appear too.
Yet the emotional centre of the evening belonged to its honoree, Princess Stéphanie, daughter of Rainier III and Grace Kelly, as she stood to receive the Global Gift Philanthropist Award, a recognition of decades spent in the trenches of social work. Her cause: Fight Aids Monaco, the nonprofit she founded, which aids people living with HIV and contributes to global care efforts.
In accepting, Stéphanie spoke with quiet conviction: she reminded the audience that charity is not a fleeting gesture, but a habit of the heart, one she has practiced for years. The room, hushed in respect, erupted in applause.
Louis and Marie Ducruet and Alexandre Grimaldi were there radiating warmth and support. Arthur Leclerc was also spotted.
Monegasque jewellery brand APM Monaco was reported as the chief sponsor of the Global Gift Gala.
Also honoured was Daddy Yankee, honoured with the Global Gift Humanitarian Award for his work uplifting disadvantaged communities across Latin America and the U.S. His mission, Longoria reminded the audience, is music and meaning, voice and action.
The auction that followed brimmed with rare offerings. According to sources not yet confirmed were VIP weekends, Grand Prix experiences and art pieces. The proceeds were earmarked for the Global Gift Foundation’s network of projects.
By night’s end reports yet to be confirmed indicate hundreds of thousands of euros may have been raised, funds that can contribute to helping more than 2,000 children around the world.
A New Tradition in the Making
As Monaco’s social season evolves, the Global Gift Gala has already staked its claim among the principality’s most meaningful soirées, where elegance opens its arms to empathy.
In days following the gala, another honour arrived: Princess Stéphanie was appointed an Officer of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest order of merit, in recognition of her humanitarian service. She joins her sister, Princess Caroline, who received France’s Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit in the same ceremony.
Monaco’s skyline remains unchanged, beauty serves, and giving glitters.
