CRISTIAN RIVERA FOUNDATION TO HOSTED ITS 15TH ANNUAL CELEBRITY GALA AT CIPRIANI 55 WALL STREET ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 12th, 2024

HOSTS

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ABOUT DARLENE RODRIGUEZ

Darlene Rodriguez is co-anchor of Today in New York which airs weekday mornings on NBC 4 New York.  She has also anchored multiple Emmy-winning broadcasts, served as a newsreader on Weekend Today and is a frequent contributor to the Today Show.

Rodriguez is involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Hudson Valley and is on the board of the Cristian Rivera Foundation.

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ABOUT MALIK YOBA

Malik Yoba is a Hollywood veteran with over three decades of commitment to the arts, boasting over fifty film credits and more than a dozen lead roles in network and cable television series. Malik considers himself first and foremost a community and youth advocate, with over forty years of experience working with young people in schools, prisons, and community organizations worldwide. Malik has been a dedicated supporter of The Cristian Rivera Foundation for a decade and proudly serves on their board, contributing to the foundation’s mission of finding a cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and supporting affected families.

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ABOUT THE HONOREES

ABOUT GLEYBER TORRES

Gleyber Torres is the second baseman for the New York Yankees and recipient of the Cristian Rivera Foundation Heroes Award for his unwavering generosity, passion for helping others, and selfless commitment to making a difference. Many years ago, when he met a little boy named Zach before a game in Tampa, Florida, who was battling cancer, Torres hit a home run on the first pitch of the game and kept the ball with the intention of giving it to him. Though Zach passed away two months later, Torres held on to the baseball and later gave it to Zach’s parents, a testament to his deep compassion and dedication to leaving a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others.

As the first MLB player to become a Special Olympics Global Ambassador, Torres' dedication to supporting those with disabilities is truly inspiring. He was also honored with the prestigious Thurman Munson Award in 2019, not only for his athletic achievements but also for his significant contributions to the community. Whether raising funds for the AHRC New York City Foundation or championing causes that uplift others, Torres’ actions speak volumes. His selfless dedication and role as a mentor to children and individuals of all abilities perfectly embody the qualities the Cristian Rivera Foundation seeks in its Heroes Award honorees.

The Cristian Rivera Foundation's Heroes Award was established three years ago to ensure that individuals like Torres are recognized for their outstanding dedication to others. MLB player Gio Urshela was honored in 2021, actor and producer Chazz Palminteri in 2022, and last year’s honoree, MLB player Harrison Bader, received the award for his remarkable contributions both on and off the field.

 

 

ABOUT RAFAEL AND MEILING TORO

Rafael Toro began his career in the field of public relations in 1979 as the assistant to Mayor Kevin White in Boston where he handled a variety of city campaigns, cultural programs and community activities, while serving as a liaison to the Hispanic community.  

In 1985, Rafael joined Goya Foods, Inc. as Director of Public Relations where he first set out to extend Goya’s outreach and brand awareness to a variety of Latin communities including Dominican, Puerto Rican, Mexican, South and Central American. 

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