15th Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Celebrity Gala
On Tuesday, November 12 the Cristian Rivera Foundation raised awareness for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) by hosting their 15th Annual Celebrity Gala. Supporters for the cause and celebrities alike showed up at the formal-black-tie evening. The evening was hosted by celebrity foundation board members, Kenan Thomson, Darlene Rodrigez, and Malik Yoba.
The gala had a red carpet reception, an award ceremony, and both live and silent auctions. But the most important part of the event is the proceeds. Funds from the event will support new research from innovative clinical trials. Such trials will be at leading institutions for DIPG, like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College. However, the proceeds will also go to families affected by DIPG and provide the critical care and support they need. Not only that but raising awareness of the condition as well.
The Cristian Rivera Foundation Honorees
This year’s honorees include Gleyber Torres, Susan Lacher, and Rafael and Meiling Toro. Torres, a second baseman for the New York Yankees, was honored with the Hero’s Award for helping people off the field. Lacher, Director of Koeppel Auto Group, with the Vision Hope Award. According to the foundation, she “serves as a testament to the profound impact one person can have on a community.” The Toro’s with the Service and Dedication Award for their dedication to uplifting different communities.
In addition to these honorees, Ryan Hodgson, the father of Braylon Hodgson, will be receiving the Golden Wings Recognition. This is on behalf of Braylon, who passed away from DIPG last year. For the Cristian Rivera Foundation, it’s important to honor those who have passed from this rare, aggressive pediatric brain stem tumor and continue their legacy by telling their stories. Therefore spreading awareness about this disease.
The Cristian Rivera Foundation is to honor Cristian Rivera, John “Gungie” Rivera’s son, who had a DIPG diagnosis at just four years old. In 2009, they became committed to finding a cure for this rare disease. With this gala and the help from celebrities, companies, and the donations of regular citizens, the Cristian Rivera Foundation shows they are committed to the cause for another 15 years.