MIAMI, FL. (Top 40 Charts/ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital PR) - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the world's premier pediatric cancer research and treatment center, celebrates its sixth annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala on Saturday, May 17, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.
Latin stars join Daisy Fuentes in honoring Emilio and Gloria Estefan for their commitment to international healthcare, the local community and their presence in the music and entertainment industry.
"We are overwhelmed with pride to be honored by such an esteemed group," said Gloria Estefan. "We are especially grateful for the hospital's life saving efforts throughout Latin America. The St. Jude International Outreach Program offers hope for sick children and their families, and they also share their medical knowledge with the doctors who treat these children in their hometowns and villages."
The money raised will help more than 5,000 young cancer patients currently receiving care from St. Jude - all at no cost to their families. The gala kicks off at 6:00 p.m. for a cocktail reception and silent auction in which guests can bid on items including a shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue and dinner for ten with artist Romero Britto. The ceremony will include testimonials by St. Jude patient survivors, live performances and an elegant dinner.
"FedEx is thrilled to have the Estefan's join us in the critical partnership with St. Jude. No place in the world does what St. Jude does for children stricken with leukemia and other cancers," said Julio C. Barrionuevo, Vice President of Finance, Planning and Engineering for Federal Express, Latin America & Caribbean. Barrionuevo chairs the annual drive, and FedEx has been the title sponsor of the Angel and Stars Gala since its inception in 2002.
The Estefans join other top Latin artists and entertainers who have supported the life-saving mission of St. Jude over the past few years, including, Albita, Antonio Banderas, Barbara Bermudo, Giselle Blondet, Romero Bitto, Cristian Castro, Rashel Diaz, Luis Enrique, Erika Ender, Jose Feliciano, Luis Fonsi, Javier Garcia, Jeremias, Jose Jose, Fanny Lu, Domenic Marte, Jorge Moreno, Eduardo Osorio, Francisco Paz, Carlos Ponce, Neida Sandoval, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Sissi, Jimmy Smits, Gaby Spanic, and the late Soraya.
"There are no words to describe how grateful we are for the generosity that the Hispanic community has shown to St. Jude. You are not fundraisers but lifesavers," said John P. Moses, Chief Executive Officer for ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. "We are especially thrilled to welcome Emilio and Gloria Estefan to our St. Jude family and congratulate them on this evening's honor."
Gala sponsors include FedEx Express, Stanford Financial Group, Universal Music Latino, VISA International, Univision Radio, Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Maya, Southern Wine and Spirits of South Florida, Sea Latino, The "M" Point, KPMG, Yahoo!Telemundo, Telefonica, DDB, Car Factory Outlet, Lopez- Cantera Foundation, CB Richard Ellis, Coors Brewing Company, Inktel Direct, Jefferson Lee Ford III Memorial Foundation, Zubi Advertising, The Miami Herald, Ocean Drive en Espanol, Merrill Lynch, Leon Medical Centers, and Grey Goose Vodka.
"I am delighted with the awareness our sponsors and other St. Jude supporters have brought to the fight against childhood cancer. I am so proud that I have been a part of this event since its inception in 2002," said Daisy Fuentes. "I can think of no better cause to support than the mission of St. Jude. Founder Danny Thomas would be proud that South Florida and the Latin community is fighting hard to ensure his vision is kept alive."
To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or donate items for the gala, please call 1-800-278-3383.
