“Building the Future Marbella” is a charitable initiative founded in 2019, largely driven by the real estate sector in the Costa del Sol. Its goal is to bring together companies, professionals, and the community to raise funds and awareness for both local associations in need and projects abroad — especially in Uganda — that support vulnerable or orphaned children.

Over the years, the initiative has grown steadily: increasing participation, expanding the scope of its events (more sporting and cultural), and scaling up its contributions.

The 2025 Charity Gala & Accompanying Events

The Gala Dinner

In September 2025, around 350 guests gathered at the Hotel Don Carlos in Marbella for the annual gala dinner of Building the Future.
It was a major fundraising event, featuring a sit-down dinner, entertainment (violin solos, choir, singing, DJ, etc.), auctions, a raffle, and donated items from local businesses and celebrity donors.

Notable donations included sports shirts donated by high-profile figures (e.g. a Cole Palmer shirt through the Chelsea FC connection; a shirt from basketball coach Sergio Scariolo) which were auctioned or raffled.

Other Events During the Year

Besides the gala, a number of events contributed to the total raised. These included:
A padel tournament among companies of the real estate sector.
A beach volleyball tournament for companies.
A 5k charity race organised by “Run-On,” with proceeds going to Building the Future.
A piano and violin concert.

These various events help spread participation, awareness, and contributions across many people and organisations rather than relying just on a single gala dinner.

Financial Impact

In total, more than €80,000 were raised during the 2025 cycle of events.
The biggest single allocation was €50,000 to the WEFO – Rwenzori Child Care Project in Uganda. That is being used to build a shelter adjacent to the Rwenzori Focus school, with capacity for 120 children who are orphaned or in vulnerable situations.

Several local charities also received funds: Debra (Butterfly Skin Charity), Cadi (Centre for Childhood Diversity), ALAS (helping young people who have suffered sexual abuse), Orotambu Uganda, and Club Deportivo Marbella Juega each got around €6,000.

Cumulatively, from 2019 to 2025, the initiative has raised about €580,000, involving over 500 firms and collaborators. Seventeen local associations have benefited, and in Uganda the Rwenzori Focus school has already taught around 420 students.

Why It Matters

The “Building the Future” initiative is important for several reasons:
Dual-impact locally and internationally
It supports local associations on the Costa del Sol suffering from various challenges (health, disability, childhood trauma, etc.), while also funding substantial international projects in Uganda. The combination helps build solidarity and awareness beyond borders.

Engagement of the business sector
That so many real estate firms and other companies are involved showcases corporate social responsibility in action. Companies don’t just donate money—they donate time, expertise, auction items, and they help organise events. That amplifies impact.

Sustainability of efforts
Because multiple events are held over the year (not just a one-off gala), and participation has steadily increased, the scheme seems sustainable. Investing in infrastructure (e.g. the shelter in Uganda) and supporting ongoing local needs mean benefits are long-term.

Community building
Apart from the material benefits, these events help build ties among people/businesses in the Costa del Sol who might otherwise not engage with such issues. Sports events, concerts, auctions—all help increase awareness in informal, accessible ways. That often feeds further engagement.

Challenges & Considerations

While the results to date are positive, there are always challenges and things to keep in mind:
Ensuring transparency and accountability so donors know exactly how funds are used. Given the ambitious scale in Uganda and locally, tracking impact is key.

Balancing local vs international priorities. While the Uganda project is large and important, some local charities may have more immediate needs. Ensuring a fair distribution so that local causes are not overshadowed is an ongoing balancing act.

Maintaining momentum. As with any recurring charitable initiative, there is a risk of donor fatigue, or that the novelty wears off. To avoid this, innovation in events and expanding participant base are essential.

Logistical and operational capacity. Building infrastructure abroad (e.g. shelters) involves regulatory, construction-, staffing- and maintenance-related challenges. Ensuring long-term viability (staff, ongoing funding, safe operations) is as important as raising the initial funds.

Looking Ahead

Given the trajectory, one might expect:
Further scaling up of fundraising totals in coming years if participation continues to grow.
Possibly broader international reach beyond Uganda, or more partnerships to support children’s welfare in more regions.
More varied events to engage different demographics — younger people, locals, international residents.
Continuous improvement of beneficiaries’ facilities, not just building new ones, but maintaining and expanding existing ones effectively.

Building the Future Marbella

The 2025 series of Building the Future Marbella events represents a landmark year: unprecedented fundraising (~€80,000+), significant investment in a major project in Uganda (a shelter for vulnerable children), and solid support for several local charities. It’s an example of what sustained effort, community collaboration, and cross-sector partnerships can achieve.

It’s more than money being raised — it’s about changing lives on both local and global scales, generating hope, and building trust that collective effort can yield real change.
If you want, I can prepare an extended feature (with interviews, photos, or thematic focus) or explore how effective similar efforts have been in other regions for comparison?