NUEVA YORK, NY(SMI LATIN-PHILANTHROPY,06.09.19)-The Latino Commission On AIDS celebrated its 24th Annivesary benefit gala

this Friday( June 07), honoring legendary Broadway Choreographer Jerry Mitchell, Dr. Maureen M. Goodenow, Angela Ponce (Miss Spain 2018) and Lorena Borjas  on its Cielo's gala  at Cipriani's Wall Street in the Big Apple.

 

This year's event theme  " Designing a World Without AIDS ",  the Latino Commission on AIDS honored and recognized the following leaders during its annual Cielo benefit gala:

• Jerry Mitchell, theatre director and choreographer of Broadway hit shows such as

  Kinky Boots, On Your Feet! and Pretty Woman-The Musical – Compañero Award

• Dr. Maureen M. Goodenow, Ph.D., National Institutes of Health (NIH) Associate

  Director for AIDS Research and Director of the Office of AIDS Research (OAR) –

  Esperanza Award

• Lorena Borjas, well-known transgender advocate – Fuerza Award

• Victor Florencio, also known as El Niño Prodigio on Univision – 2019 Padrino

• Angela Ponce, Miss Spain 2018 – Ilka Award

• Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008

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Dayana Mendoza: Actress, Model and Miss Universe 2008  " At one point  I was a " Madrina" (Ambassador ) and I contributed in many ways to support the Latino Commission On AIDS. I guess you can say that I never stopped supporting and participating in aiding people that needs our help and be part of a strong voice 

to keep contributing. Being here today it's like coming back home, I see many 

people that I met in the past and attending this year event it's like celebrating with

the family." Said the latin's beauty " Dayana Mendoza " to Latin Starlight Illustrated about attending the gala.

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The gala entertainment included:

Colombian-Venezuelan fashion designer Raul Peñaranda, along with the legendaryHouse of Xtravaganza, presented his collection including ready-to-wear designs with a refined and sophisticated, yet sexy and playful look.

The evening also consisted of a cocktail reception and silent auction, sponsored by Macy’sfollowed by dinner and an awards presentation. Choreographer Maria Torres  presented a theatrical tribute to Stonewall 50 and three-time Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra led by Oscar Hernandez, who also provided live entertainment along acclaimed talent DJ Justin Dawson into the night.

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The Cielo Gala raises funds in support of the Latino Commission on AIDS to create and promote HIV and AIDS service programs and initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, prevention, and treatment education for Latinos, as well as to build capacity among other HIV and AIDS organizations serving Latino communities throughout the U.S. and the Territories. Proceeds from the Gala will benefit the Commission and its community programs, including Trans-led HIV and AIDS initiatives.