Sierra Blanca Foundation’s “Inspire Change, Transform Lives”

The Sierra Blanca Foundation, a non-profit founded by Pedro and Nidia Rodríguez and their children, hosted its second annual charity gala on Thursday, June 5, at La Câbane beach club in Marbella, under the inspirational theme “Inspire Change, Transform Lives”.

The event brought together nearly 500 guests from the worlds of art, sports, and culture, raising over €500,000 to support vulnerable communities in the Costa del Sol region.

It built on the success of its first 2024 edition, which raised €350,000 for organisations like Cáritas Diocesana Marbella and Fundación Lágrimas y Favores. Funds will go towards supporting charities including Cáritas, the Gasol Foundation, Fundación Cesare Scariolo, and social projects with the Junta de Andalucía, directly aiding those in need.

The evening’s highlight was a spectacular charity auction featuring exclusive items: signed shirts from Rafael Nadal, a live artwork by Mr Dripping (Mark Rios), a Novak Djokovic-signed tennis racket, and a VIP box for a Real Madrid Champions League match with a Kylian Mbappé-signed jersey. Other unique experiences included a private dinner for ten by chef Dani García, a meeting with Pau Gasol at Barcelona’s Liceu, and a masterclass with basketball coach Sergio Scariolo.

The gala was supported by such sponsors as Santander, Sacyr, and Miele and welcomed prominent figures such as actor Antonio Banderas, journalist and host Cristina Gullón, artist Mr. Dripping, and sports legends Álvaro Arbeloa, Fernando Llorente, and Javi Martínez. The event’s culinary experience, curated by Dani García Catering, featured a bespoke menu that complemented the night’s seaside setting.

The gala was more of a social movement, with influential voices uniting to push in the right directions. The Sierra Blanca Foundation was on a mission to provide a helping hand for thousands of vulnerable people, create opportunities and promote Marbella and Malaga to be centres of philanthropy.