Miami is a city with no shortage of celebrations, and for good reason. With events throughout the year recognizing fashion, art, beaches and food (to name just a few), the Magic City also knows how to celebrate life.
It did just that on May 19 at the 16th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars gala, which raised more than $1 million to benefit the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children.®
This year, the FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars gala honored an individual who has shaped the media landscape over the last two decades, Maria Elena Salinas, named the "Voice of Hispanic America" by The New York Times. A broadcast journalist, news anchor and author, Maria accepted the 2018 FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding citizenship to the community.
Salinas was able to visit St. Jude in Memphis, Tenn., prior to the gala.
I have always been on a mission to inform and empower my community, and now I am excited to be able to share the remarkable stories of bravery and inspiration from St. Jude, as well. This is truly an honor I take with the greatest of responsibility.
Maria Elena Salinas addresses the crowd on stage at the 2018 FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars gala.
Miami is a city that boasts a rich history of glamour and vibrant culture. This was obvious to any one of the 500 guests who flocked to the InterContinental Hotel.
This year, the FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars gala, titled "A Night in Vintage Miami 1950s," embraced a mid-century theme that was on full display throughout the night with guests dressed in their best attire from a bygone era.
Guests were also joined by St. Jude patient Victoria and former patient Miguel, who recounted onstage their stories of strength and courage while undergoing treatment at St. Jude.
Former patient Miguel (second from left) and St. Jude patient Victoria on stage at the 2018 FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars gala
"Events like these are so important as we continue to raise awareness and funds for our lifesaving mission all across the United States and beyond," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude.
"We congratulate Maria Elena for her commitment to the patients of St. Jude."
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Maria Elena Salinas (right) was honored with the 2018 FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Lifetime Achievement Award
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Co-founded in 2002 by model and entrepreneur Daisy Fuentes, the FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars gala has raised more than $7 million for the kids of St. Jude to date, and 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, Chef Adrianne Calvo and more.
A performance by Victor Manuelle at the 2018 FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars gala.
Every year, thousands of events are held around the country to support St. Jude, but they all depend on a very key ingredient: the generosity and commitment from corporate sponsors.
FedEx Express served as the title sponsor for this event, followed by Bancrédito International Bank, Salesforce, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Dell Technologies, CISCO, Softtek, Carnival Foundation, AT&T, C-Comm Group, Accenture, Diario La Americas, Rana Furniture, Clarins and International Dermatology Research.
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