The Latino Commission on AIDS will pay tribute and recognize the following leaders during the annual Cielo benefit gala:
• 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 -Esperanza Award
• Victor Martinez, Program Manager, Long Beach Center of Bienestar -Dennis de León Voz de Compromiso Award

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach will be announced as the newest Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS.

International plus-size model, Denise Bidot will present the Dennis de León Voz de Compromiso Award.

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 and 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.