Antonio Banderas returns as guest of honour at Marbella’s star-studded charity gala

Fundacion Sierra Blanca held its third annual charity gala on June 25 at La Cabane Marbella, with Antonio Banderas attending as special guest for the third year in a row.

Who was at the charity gala

The incredibly talented Dani Garcia catered the dinner, as he has done for every edition since the gala began in 2024. Lidia Torrent presented the evening, and journalist Ingrid Betancor conducted the charity auction. Guests included business leaders, local officials, and figures from sport and entertainment.

Where does the money go raised from the evening

Funds raised on the evening go towards very special social projects run by Fundacion Sierra Blanca and its partner organisations. This year’s beneficiaries were –

Caritas Marbella – poverty relief and social support
Ciudad de los Niños – care homes for children without stable family support
Despertar Sin Violencia – support for victims of domestic violence
Fundacion Gasol – founded by Pau Gasol, tackles childhood obesity through healthy habits
Fundacion Cesare Scariolo – founded by basketball coach Sergio Scariolo, supports children with cancer and their families
Fundacion Jose Luis Martin Lopez – funds scholarships and support for young people and vulnerable groups
Fundacion Lagrimas y Favores – Banderas’ own charity, funding university scholarships and social projects in Málaga

Official sponsors this year included Bentley Marbella, Banco Santander, Sacyr, and Hospital Recoletas Salud Marbella.

Previous successful galas

Fundacion Sierra Blanca’s first gala, held in 2024, raised more than and incredible €350,000. Its second, in 2025, raised more than €500,000 through an auction that included private dinners with Dani Garcia and sporting experiences with Rafael Nadal. A final total for the 2026 gala has not yet been published.

Praise from the Mayor

Marbella Mayor Angeles Muñoz thanked Banderas for attending and credited Pedro Rodriguez, president of the foundation, and his family for organising the event. She said participation and social impact have grown each year since the gala started.

Fundacion Sierra Blanca was founded by the family behind luxury developer Sierra Blanca Estates. The gala also included live music, surprise performances, and a raffle, in keeping with previous years.