The 2011 “Al-Rashid Hope Award” was presented to Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Luis Fonsi at the 9th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala, presented by Trafalgar Capital Advisors, for his support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ® and contributions to the entertainment industry. The event took place on May 14 in Miami, Fla., with more than 700 guests in attendance who enjoyed an unforgettable night next to their favorite Latin celebrities and artists, all in support of the mission of St. Jude, the nation’s top-ranked children’s cancer hospital.
“I have enormous gratitude for the recognition that St. Jude has given me. I dedicate this honor to all the children and families who suffer from the terrible pain of cancer throughout the world,” said Luis Fonsi. “It is up to all of us to help with this cause. I invite you to fight for a world free of cancer by joining this great mission.”
The gala took place at the JW Marriott Marquis and included performances by award-winning duo Chino y Nacho and Spanish singer Antonio Orozco . Celebrity chair and television personality Daisy Fuentes accompanied St. Jude patients battling cancer. Award presenters included legendary actress Angelica Maria, recognized Mexican actress Angelica Vale , Univision television host Giselle Blondet, local personalities, Louis Aguirre , co-host of WSVN’s DECO DRIVE, Enrique Santos , host of the Univision Radio MIX 98.3 FM morning show and Alberto Sardinas , host and producer of “Intimo” on Amor 107.5 FM, among others.
This year, St. Jude welcomed Latin celebrities from the entertainment industry, including Jose Antonio Alvarez, Jorge Bernal, Isabella Castillo, Adriana Castro, Adriana Catano, Azucena Cierco, Alejandro Chaban, Tanya Charry, Pamela Silva Conde, Poncho de Anda, Mariela Encarnacion, Jeannette Kaplun, Karla Monroig, Cynthia Olavarria, Gloria Ordaz, Maritza Rodriguez, and Mercedes Soler among others.
“During the past nine years we have seen how the Angels and Stars Gala has become a way in which the Latino community supports the mission of St. Jude,” said Daisy Fuentes. “I am very proud to be part of this wonderful event and I am happy to see how the Latino entertainment community continues to provide support to children of St. Jude.”
During one of the special moments of the night, six-year old Puerto Rican St. Jude patient Karelys, surprised honoree Luis Fonsi with a special gift– a photo taken of Luis the day he met Karelys for this first time at St. Jude over 5 years ago. At the time the photo was taken, Karelys was 2 years old and undergoing treatments for retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye. Thanks to the advanced medical treatments she received at St. Jude, Karelys is now in remission and back home with her mother in Puerto Rico.
“Every year we see how the medical research done at St. Jude helps children in the U.S. and Latin America who are suffering from cancer and other deadly diseases,” said Julio C. Barrionuevo, Sr. Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Express International at FedEx Express. “For FedEx, it’s an honor to be able to share this night with St. Jude patients, the talented Luis Fonsi and the Latin community to join the fight against childhood cancer.” FedEx has been the title sponsor of the Angel & Stars Gala since its inception in 2002.
Gala sponsors included: FedEx Express, Trafalgar Capital Advisors, Chevron, The Gutierrez Family, Pollo Campero, Carnival, Dr. Carlos Fiallo, VISA, Inktel Direct, International Dermatology Research, Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Tony & Sandy Tamer, Telefonica, DDB Latina, Pacific Cable Television, Grupo Akkar, Del Monte, Westin Fort Lauderdale Hotels, Andres Asion, Byblos Group, Y&R, Chopard, Ernst & Young, Univision Radio, Ocean Drive Magazine, Selecta Magazine, MTV Music & Television, Noiseworks Media, Junior’s Band, Amore Pacific, Saks Fifth Avenue, Visual Productions, ACT Production, ArtFlowers, MillerCoors, and cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka.
To learn more about St. Jude visit www.stjude.org/miamigala or for information on next year’s gala please call (800) 227-6737 or email paola.cassana@stjude.org.