Grammy-winning Soul II Soul headlined the summer gala, while resort owner Daniel Shamoon revealed four decades of family support for World Vision.
The World Vision Gala celebrated its 14th edition on Sunday, August 16, at the Puente Romano Marbella Tennis Club. The event, a key date on the organization’s fundraising calendar and a highlight of the summer season in the city, brought together the local community and resort guests for a charitable cause: to support the Green-Up environmental project in Ethiopia. With this initiative, the resort marks the second of its five-year commitment and has now funded five projects in collaboration with World Vision UK.
The evening began with a welcome cocktail as the sun set over the Mediterranean, followed by a three-course dinner with wine pairings. The main performance was by Soul II Soul, the legendary British Grammy-winning soul group responsible for hits like “Keep On Movin'” and “Back to Life.” The musical evening continued with the flamenco-rumba of The Gypsies and the rhythms of local DJ Aruhtra until the early hours of the morning. Meanwhile, Daniel Shamoon led the charity auction, which included prizes such as resort stays, dining experiences, jewelry, and fashion, as well as raffles and surprises throughout the night.
The most moving moment came directly from Ethiopia. Fola Komolafe, CEO of World Vision UK, presented a video of a community completely transformed thanks to this partnership: a community that now has a school and clean water, and has gone from surviving to thriving. The Ethiopian people’s gratitude was summarized in a single Amharic word: Ameseginalehu, which attendees were invited to say and share.
Upon taking the stage, Daniel Shamoon shared with the audience that his personal connection to World Vision dates back more than forty years, when he and his family began sponsoring children; a personal commitment that has evolved over time into the galas and fundraising campaigns that the resort leads today. The Green-Up project uses regenerative agriculture to restore land degraded by years of agricultural overexploitation, creating self-sustaining livelihoods that will benefit thousands of people for generations. Since 2012, this partnership has enabled World Vision to impact more than two million children in Africa and Asia.
Every euro raised during the gala is quadrupled thanks to funding from NGOs and institutional partners, after which Puente Romano Marbella contributes the remaining amount to ensure the project’s full funding.
Puente Romano Marbella expresses its gratitude to its sponsors: Bacardi, Celicioso, Datavault AI, Kiros, Narmeen, Pompeu, Suárez, Talk Radio Europe, and TWF, as well as to all the individuals and institutions that donated prizes for the charity auction.
To make a private contribution to World Vision’s work in Ethiopia, please visit https://www.wvi.org/donate
About Puente Romano Marbella
Recognized as the Best Resort in Spain by the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Awards, this 5-star destination boasts an exceptional Mediterranean setting with spectacular views of both the sea and the North African mountains. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, this property is located just 45 minutes by car from Málaga International Airport and enjoys a prime beachfront location on the iconic Golden Mile, between Marbella and Puerto Banús.
The resort, whose architectural style is that of a typical Andalusian white village, offers its guests seven private villas (La Pereza, Armonía, Romana, La Serrana, etc.) and 162 spacious suites, surrounded by lush botanical gardens that flow into the Mediterranean. Puente Romano Marbella, with 55,000 m², has become a culinary benchmark both in Spain and internationally, boasting an extraordinary selection of more than 20 restaurants, including the internationally renowned Nobu, COYA and COYA Club, Cipriani, and GAIA; as well as the award-winning Leña, the recently opened El Pimpi winery; the Best Beach Club in Spain and Portugal, Chiringuito Puente Romano; and the iconic Sea Grill.
For younger guests, there are fun and memorable activities at two separate kids’ clubs: La Casita Club and Teen Spirit. In addition, it boasts top-notch sports and wellness facilities: a health and fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and a boxing ring, as well as an outdoor gym with professional equipment.
Guests can also enjoy a wide range of other activities, including golf, hiking, horseback riding, and water sports, as well as complimentary daily classes in yoga, Pilates, and athletics. The resort also boasts the acclaimed Puente Romano Tennis Club, which hosts ATP, WTA, and Davis Cup tournaments, and offers private lessons and organizes matches between guests and academies, particularly for younger players. Finally, Puente Romano Marbella features a Six Senses Spa, offering exclusive treatments and locally inspired therapies that combine herbs, sea salt, olive oil, and minerals for a truly Mediterranean experience.
