Friday, March 29, 2024

Marc Anthony, Rosario Dawson, Alejandro Sanz, Paulina Rubio and Cucu Diamantes and Yerba Buena Elaborate on their Participation at the Latino 2009 Inaugural Gala; Artists Underscore Historic Nature of Barack Obama’s Inauguration and the Unprecedented Opportunity to Unite the Latino Community and the Country

Many of the top-name artists who will be participating in the upcoming 2009 Latino Inaugural Gala were enthusiastic about elaborating on the reasons for their participation and what they see as a once-in-a-lifetime coming together of the Latino community, both political and artistic, geared towards one single goal:  Celebrating the change that Latinos helped bring by electing Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States (get your tickets now before they sell out at www.LatinoInauguralGala2009.org/tickets.). .

“I am honored to have been invited to participate in this historic celebration and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with our country,” stated Marc Anthony, award winning singer/songwriter.  “This election marked the turning point for Latinos in terms of political empowerment and civic participation.  We made our voices heard and affected the outcome to bring real change and a better future for our community and our families.”

“Latinos everywhere should be proud that the community showed up in strength and unity,” said Rosario Dawson, renowned actress and co-founder of Voto Latino, one of the co-hosts of the event.  “We played a historic role in historic election and before we roll up our sleeves and begin the hard work of putting our country back on track, we owe ourselves this moment to celebrate.”

“It is an honor for me to have been invited to this historic event, particularly because of what it represents for President-elect Obama, for the hope of change that his presidency brings, for the hope that pours out of us just by pronouncing his name. Not just for the United States, but for the world,” said award-winning Spanish artist Alejandro Sanz.  “I am going to celebrate with my Hispanic brothers from North America at a gala with friends and colleagues who I care for a great deal–Hispanic leaders from the worlds of film, art and politics. We are going to celebrate this victory. They deserve it, we deserve it!”

“I am so proud that our community showed up & made a difference in this election,” stated beloved Mexican international superstar Paulina Rubio. “I was honored to have been able to participate and support President elect Obama during his campaign and am thrilled to participate at the Inaugural Gala with many of my friends.  I look forward to celebrating our new President in unique Latin style!”

“As an artist and as a Latina who decided to live in The United States and proudly become

citizen, it is an incredible honor to be part of this event,” said Cucu Diamantes of the award-winning band Yerba Buena. “I’m looking forward to celebrating a historic moment that surpasses many long held expectations, and to honor how the voices of united Latino Voters helped this day become a reality.”

Other celebrated artists, performers and distinguished journalists who are scheduled to participate in Sunday’s festivities include Jennifer Lopez, George Lopez, Don Omar, Tony Plana, Rosie Perez, Angelica Vale, Tony Gonzalez, Wilmer Valderrama, War, Lila Downs, Elida Reyna, Michael Salgado and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Soledad O’Brien, and Gisele Blondet.

Additional Co-Hosts of the event include the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Democratic National Committee Hispanic Caucus (DNC), the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).

The event has attracted some high-profile corporate partners, such as Western Union, Comcast, Vineyard St. Michelle, DIRECTV Más, Prudential, Time Warner Inc., Anheuser-Busch, Microsoft, IBC Bank, Kraft and others enthusiastic about supporting such a great cause and showcasing their collaborations with the Latino community.

“As a long standing partner of the Hispanic community, Western Union is glad to support an event that underscores Hispanic unity, empowerment and achievement on so many levels and  proud to be an integral part of this historic celebration in our nation’s capital,” said Victoria Lopez-Negrete, senior vice president Hispanic Product Management for
Western Union.

All proceeds raised from the 2009 Latino Inaugural Gala will go to support the vision of creating a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, D.C. This gala’s beneficiary nonprofit, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, is dedicated to helping take the idea of such a museum from dream to reality.

While sponsorship opportunities are still available, many corporations have already partnered with the Latino Inaugural Gala’s co-hosts to help ensure the most successful event possible.  Some of these corporate partners include Western Union, Comcast, DIRECTV Más, Prudential, Time-Warner, Anheuser-Busch, Microsoft, IBC Bank, and Kraft.

Tickets are on sale now for $200 each and can be purchased on-line at www.LatinoInauguralGala2009.org/tickets. Tickets are sold on a first-come first-serve basis.  Information on sponsorship opportunities is also available on the gala website.   For any additional questions regarding sponsorship opportunities for the Latino Inaugural Gala, please contact Maria Cardona at mcardona@deweysquare.comTo receive the latest up-to-the minute updates on new entertainment/celebrity announcements and other breaking Latino Inaugural Gala news, please text “GALA” to 35328.

The Executive Producers of the 2009 Latino Inaugural Gala are David Chavez and Sarah Ruiz; Producer/Director Leroy Martinez; Grammy-Nominated Musical Director Andres Levin and Talent Director Pilar O’ Leary.