Cuban-born American journalist and one of Time magazine’s “25 Most Influential Hispanics in America,” Cristina Saralegui, will be recognized for her commitment to giving back and educating the Hispanic community. “Being recognized by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a true honor. Lending my voice to matters that touch my heart is what’s it’s all about. These children need our help and they need your help,” said Saralegui.

Cristina will join approximately 600 guests for an evening of celebration that includes a St. Jude family speaker, live and silent auctions, and a special performance by Latin Grammy Award-winning duo Chino y Nacho.

Additionally, as a very special highlight of the event, the evening will also feature a live performance by Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Richard Marx.

“I am humbled to see how far this gala has come from its inaugural year, and grateful because it continues to help so many kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Anything I can do, year after year, I do. I hope my participation inspires others to get involved. It’s going to be an amazing night, and I can’t think of a better cause,” said Daisy Fuentes.

Also, television and radio personalities Enrique Santos, Elizabeth Gutierrez, Ismael Cala and Karla Monroig will serve as celebrity award presenters.

RT to support @StJude during #StJudeMiamiGala in their mission of finding cures & saving children Tweet

Additionally, Miami based businesswoman and philanthropist, Patty Gutiérrez, will also be recognized for her longtime fundraising efforts in support of the St. Jude mission. Gutiérrez’s son Stephan, now 21, is a former St. Jude patient who at the age of 11 was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his stomach. Stephan’s treatment at St. Jude included surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and radiation therapy. Stephan is now finished with treatment and returns to St. Jude for checkups annually.

In the past, the gala has honored some of the most recognized and celebrated artists in Latin music and entertainment for their humanitarian work, such as Don Francisco, Romero Britto, Juanes, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra, Tommy and Thalia Mottola, Chef Adrianne Calvo and Coach Don Shula.

For more information about tickets, sponsorships and auction items, visit stjude.org/miamigala or contact Barbara Mari at (800) 278-3383 or [email protected]

This year’s gala sponsors include: FedEx Express, FedEx Express, Gutierrez Family Foundation, Mosteiro Family Foundation, Carnival Foundation, Gloria Estefan Foundation, Neutrogena, Zoological Wildlife Foundation, Anthony Abraham Foundation, International Dermatology Institute, Grupo CIMA, Yezz, Diario, Las Américas, Univision Radio, C-ComGroup Inc., American Tower Corporation, Arteasan, Arven Financial, Ernst & Young, HSBC, Omnicom Media Group, Rana Furniture, Wellmax, Tu-Be Global Spirits, FUNKSHION, Event Design Group, Nuage Designs, Ocean Drive Magazine, Casa Diris and The Dream Team Agency.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook (facebook.com/stjude) and following us on Twitter (@stjude).

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Media Contact:
Alex Flores
ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
[email protected]
(901) 572-6905

*Due to limited space, media wishing to attend the red carpet must RSVP by contacting Alex Flores at [email protected].