Emilio & Gloria Estefan honored.
May 10, 2008
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital celebrated its sixth annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala by honoring Emilio and Gloria Estefan for their commitment to international healthcare, the local community, and the music and entertainment industry. The star-studded event took place on May 17, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.
On the red carpet, St. Jude patients rubbed elbows with some of the brightest stars from the Latin music and entertainment industry who came to support Daisy Fuentes, celebrity chair, and her fight against childhood cancer. More than 550 guests were treated to live performances by Luis Fonsi, Jeremías and Valeria Gastaldi. During the night’s entertainment, Emilio Estefan took to the stage alongside Victor Manuelle for an unforgettable impromptu performance. Among the other celebrity guests who came to support St. Jude were Candela Ferro, Khotan Fernandez, Fanny Lu, Ana María Canseco, Lili Estefan, Génesis Rodríguez, María Celeste Arrarás and philanthropist Adrienne Arsht.
“It was truly wonderful to see the Hispanic community of South Florida come together to support St. Jude,” said John P. Moses, Chief Executive Officer for ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. “Thanks to the supporters and sponsors of this gala, St. Jude is able to provide hope for sick children and their families from all over the world.”
The money raised from this event will help St. Jude continue its groundbreaking research and lifesaving care for children from across the country and around the world who are battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Two other special guests for the evening were St. Jude patients Lucas Solberg and Stephan Boehme Gutierrez, who shared their story of survival with guests. The gala also included a cocktail reception and silent auction, which included a shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue and dinner for 10 with artist Romero Britto.
The Estefans join other top Latin artists and entertainers who have supported the lifesaving mission of St. Jude over the past few years, including Antonio Banderas, Jimmy Smits, Daisy Fuentes, Cristian Castro, Luis Enrique, José Feliciano, Luis Fonsi, Jeremías, Fanny Lu, Carlos Ponce, Gilberto Santa Rosa and the late Soraya.