The Cristian Rivera Foundation presented Dr. Mark Souweidane with $30,000 at its Second Annual Gala, which took place at NYC event space Quo on Tuesday, October 19. The money raised from ticket sales is funding promising clinical research that Dr. Souweidane feels will revolutionize the treatment of Pontine Glioma. Dr. Souweidane, who also received the Foundation's Vision of Hope award, has dedicated his career to the goal of curing this inoperable brain stem tumor. This substantial donation was just one of the night's many highlights. Guests got the chance to bid on unique items in both live and silent auctions, including boxing gloves autographed by legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and a date with "Las Gemelas Lulu y Lala" from The Luis Jimenez Show on X96.3. Celebrity Chefs Alex Garcia and Ricardo Cardona, recipients of the night's Outstanding Service Awards, fed the night's guests with food donated from top NYC restaurants. In addition, Cristian Rivera Foundation founder John "Gungie" Rivera presented Committee Members Tedsmooth and Kenya Bradix with the Cristian Rivera Humanitarian Award for their tireless efforts and dedication to the community. Both of them were very close to Cristian and were touched by the surprise honor. Rivera also presented a special posthumous honor to Ralph Mercado, Sr., who passed away from a brain tumor five weeks after Cristian Rivera lost his life to Pontine Glioma. Committee Member Ralph Mercado III accepted the award in memory of his father's admirable character, lifetime achievements, and courage in his battle with cancer. Among those in attendance were Dangerous Minds actor Renoly Santiago, actor/singer Frankie Negron, Committee Member and rapper Jim Jones, legendary producer and Committee Member Little Louie Vega, Committee Member and former New York Knicks All Star Anthony Mason, Committee Member Funkmaster Flex, Committee Member J.I. Starr of La Mega, singer George Lamond, comedian Ruperto Vanderpool, Committee Member Mr. Olympia Victor Martinez, Committee Member and music producer Boy Wonder of Chosen Few, Committee Member DJ Camilo, singer Brenda K. Starr, singer O'Neill McKnight, Committee Member and film producer David Maldonado, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, and Former Bronx Borough President and Committee Member Fernando Ferrer.
