The Hispanic Federation welcomed nearly 700 distinguished guests and honorees to its star-studded 2011 Annual Benefit Gala at The Waldorf-Astoria. Under the theme of “Ignite the Light,” the Federation’s gala helped raise over 1 million dollars in support programs and services for the Latino community.
The gala featured co-Masters of Ceremonies Lin Manuel Miranda, Tony and Grammy Award Winning Composer-Lyricist and Actor, and MTV Host and Actress Julissa Bermudez. Entertainment legend Charo was one of a number of special presenters and performers, including multi-platinum recording artist Frankie Negron and Dancer and Actor John Rua.
Four extraordinary institutions and individuals were honored at this year’s benefit event. Wells Fargo received the Federation’s Corporate Leadership Award for their stellar commitment to providing bilingual financial education and support of Hispanic causes. The Premio Orgullo (Pride Award) was presented to AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets President and CEO Ralph de la Vega for his outstanding achievements in the world of telecommunications and his dedication to youth development. Goya Foods, celebrating 75 years as a Latino-owned and operated business, was honored with the Legacy Award. The Community Service Award was given to the Federation’s member agency, Puerto Rican Association for Human Development for their unwavering dedication to New Jersey’s Latino community.
A long list of elected officials also attended the Hispanic Federation’s gala, including U.S. Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez; New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli; NYC Comptroller John Liu; NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn; Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr; NYS Assembly Members Felix Ortiz, Guillermo Linares and Robert Rodriguez; NYS Senators John Sampson, Adriano Espaillat and Gustavo Rivera; NYC Council Members Robert Jackson, Melissa Mark Viverito, Julissa Ferreras and Ydanis Rodriguez.
The proceeds from the annual gala support the Federation’s programs and services, which are geared towards strengthening Hispanic families and a network of nearly 100 Latino nonprofits.
