Latino Commission on AIDS Holds Annual Cielo Gala

On Friday, May 6, The Latino Commission on AIDS will hold their 2016 Annual Cielo Gala event at Cipriani Wall Street. The event will honor Dr. Demetre Daskalakis and Victor Martinez, and feature entertainment by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

The event theme,�"Designing a World Without AIDS," speaks to critical health issues, along with the organization's efforts to confront stigma and isolation, and in particular to highlight the harsh reality of the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS faced by some of our most vulnerable populations.�

In addition to providing an opportunity to assess the status of HIV and AIDS in the Latino community, this year's event will launch the Hispanic Health Network, an initiative of the Commission that will help address other relevant health issues that affect the Latino community.

The Latino Commission on AIDS will pay tribute and recognize Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene� with their Esperanza Award; and Victor Martinez, Program Manager, Long Beach Center of Bienestar, with the Dennis de Le�n Voz de Compromiso Award.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach will be announced as the newest Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS. And live entertainment will be provided by the Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra led by Oscar Hernandez, as well as the renowned Mariachi Band "Flor de Toloache."�

Special performances by Swiss singer, songwriter and performer Bastian Baker and TommY BoY recording artist Jamar Rogers, who was a finalist on season 2 of "The Voice" and is living with HIV, will also be part of the gala program.

Actor J.W Cortes, best known for his role as Detective Carlos Alvarez in "Gotham," and NBC 4 New York news anchor Sibila Vargas will co-host the evening. Other special appearances: actress April Lee Hernandez and fashion shoe designer Brian Atwood.

The Cielo Gala raises funds in support of the Latino Commission on AIDS to create and promote HIV/AIDS service programs and initiatives aimed at increased awareness, prevention, and treatment education for Hispanic/Latinos, as well as to build capacity among other HIV/AIDS organizations serving Latino communities throughout the U.S. and the Territories.

The evening will consist of a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and an awards presentation. Macy's, the presenting sponsor of the silent auction,�has teamed up with Bobbi Brown to bring�Cielo guests' make-up touch-ups during the Silent Auction followed by pictures at their photo station.

Cielo will be held from 6:15-9 p.m. on Friday, May 6 at Cipriani Wall Street, 55 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.