Join Daisy Fuentes in honoring Emilio and Gloria Estefan at the event to
benefit St. Jude
Live performances by Luis Fonsi, Jeremias, and Valeria Gastaldi
MIAMI, May 9 -- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R),
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.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080509/CLF029 )
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.
ABOUT ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for
its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and
other catastrophic diseases. Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas
and based in Memphis, Tennessee. St. Jude freely shares its discoveries
with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever
pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without
insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by
ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit
http://www.stjude.org .
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