On April 20th, Hispanic Federation celebrated its 27th anniversary at the iconic American Museum of Natural History in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. The gala raised a record-breaking $2.1 million in support of Hispanic causes and honored individuals and organizations who are making a positive impact in their communities every day.
Under the world-famous blue whale, more than 900 of the nation’s leading public officials, community advocates, media celebrities, and corporate leaders gathered to show their solidarity with the Hispanic community and unite around common values: inclusion, opportunity, diversity, and fairness.
“We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our supporters for making this gala the most successful in our community's history,” said José Calderón, President of the Hispanic Federation. “These funds are more critical than ever to support our community grassroots organizations. It’s something special to put out the call for help and have so many people and institutions say, ¡Presente!”
Five extraordinary institutions and individuals were honored at this year’s benefit event: seven-time Grammy winner Gloria Estefan and world-renowned producer Emilio Estefan, celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez, Morgan Stanley and the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigration Rights.
“Our 2017 honorees demonstrate the amazing things we can accomplish when we embrace the values that unite us,” Calderón said. “In these challenging times, we take inspiration from their vision – and the leadership of the hundreds of individuals and institutions who joined us tonight – to take Hispanic causes to heart.”
American Crime’s Benito Martinez and TODAY contributor and style expert Lilliana Vazquez. Actor and singer Carlos Ponce was a special presenter. Major League Soccer’s 2016 MVP and New York City Football Club Team Captain, David Villa was also on hand to lend his voice and support to the festivities.
“We had a great turnout for a fun night this year,” Calderón said. “I believe that against the backdrop of xenophobia and division that we are seeing across the country, people were moved by our theme of unity. We sent a powerful message that this is a community that comes together. That this is a community that can support its institutions. That this is a community that celebrates its diversity. For that, more than anything else, I just want to say, ¡Gracias!”
