By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala
Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and multi-platinum artist Carlos Vives brought down the house at the 11th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala presented by Manuel and Mercedes Mosteiro at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami on May 18. Vives performed all of his most famous songs, getting the crowd of 700 on the dance floor to celebrate the achievements of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Prior to Vives’ exciting concert, Gala honoree, Hall of Famer, Don Shula, who is among the most “winningest coaches” in NFL history was granted the 2013 “St. Jude Al-Rashid Hope Award” for his life-long commitment to helping the community and his unparalleled contributions to the NFL.
“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a special place for children with cancer, and I was honored to be a part of such an exceptional night celebrating the work of this hospital in the U.S. and around the world,” said Shula. “I have been involved with St. Jude over the years, and I am proud to support this winning team of doctors and nurses who dedicate their lives to saving children who are so in need.”
Gala co-founder Daisy Fuentes emceed the star-studded event, joined by award presenters Pamela Silva Conde, Alberto Sardinas, Julian Gil, Raul Gonzalez and Sonya Smith. Other Latin artists and celebrities in attendance included: Luis Fonsi, Agueda Lopez, Alejandro Chaban, Alexandra Pomales, Ambar, Andrea Chediak, Candela Ferro, Claudia Helena Vasquez, Felicia Mercado, Irma Martinez, Khotan, Leslie Grace, Maripily Rivera, Mauricio Henao, Mauro Mendez, Dr. Nancy Alvarez, Rashel Diaz, Ricardo Chavez, Roberto Manrique, Roberto Tapia, Rodner Figueroa, Vanessa Hauc, among others.
“Every year the FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala highlights the amazing work that St. Jude does in countries around the world, especially in Latin America,” said Fuentes. “This stellar event is a celebration of its research discoveries because one child saved at St. Jude will save thousands more around the world.”
The gala benefitted the children of St. Jude and its International Outreach Program (IOP), which aims to improve the survival rates of children with cancer and other deadly illnesses worldwide through the sharing of research and technology. IOP has 20 affiliate clinics in 14 countries, including Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica and Mexico. For more information about or to donate to St. Jude, visit: http://www.stjude.org/.
