Celebrity

14th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Raises $1 Million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

Published

10 years ago

May 26, 2016

MIAMI, Fla., (FNN NEWS) – The South Florida community united to fight childhood cancer on Saturday, May 14, when 500 guests filled the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami to celebrate the carnival-themed 14th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala. Thanks to events like this one, families never receive a bill from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. The evening raised $1 million, including a $500,000 endowment gift from St. Jude supporter Alitza Weiss and the Miami-based Weiss family.

Gala honoree Cristina Saralegui

Cuban-born American journalist and one of TIME magazine’s “25 Most Influential Hispanics in America” Cristina Saralegui was honored for her commitment to giving back and educating the Hispanic community.

Richard Marx performs at 14th annual FedEx St Jude Angels & Stars Gala

Gala co-founder, model and entrepreneur Daisy Fuentes, brought along her husband, legendary Grammy Award winner Richard Marx, who performed a special set for the crowd. Guests also dined and danced the night away to a set by Venezuelan pop duo Chino y Nacho, with DJ Mauricio Parra spinning late into the evening. The event was all in the name of the lifesaving mission of St. Jude, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancers and other life-threatening diseases.

Additionally, Miami-based businesswoman and philanthropist Patty Gutierrez also was honored for her longtime fundraising work with St. Jude. Gutiérrez’s son Stephan is a former St. Jude patient who at the age of 11 was diagnosed with a rare cancerous tumor in his stomach. Stephan, now 21, is finished with treatment and is currently pursuing a college degree in Boston. He returns to St. Jude for checkups annually.

“As a mother of a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital cancer survivor, I’m deeply touched by the lifesaving mission of the hospital,” said Gutierrez.” I have experienced firsthand the darkness of the cancer. St Jude gave me my son’s life back and gave me the opportunity to help brighten up the lives of other families that are going through difficult times.”

The event was co-hosted by actress and TV personality Karla Monroig and Enrique Santos, host of the nationally syndicated “Enrique Santos Show” on Univision Radio. Additional presenters included actress Elizabeth Gutierrez and CNN en Espanol’s Ismael Cala. The gala counted with the support of some of television and music’s most notable stars, including Alberto Sardiñas, Alejandro Chabán, Alexandra Pomales, Candela Ferro, Enrique Acevedo, Francisca Lachapel, Franser Pazos, Irma Martínez, Jomari Goyso, Jorge Bernal, Khotan Fernández, Luis Alfonso Borrego, Oscar Serrano, Paula Arcila, Poncho de Anda, Raúl González, Scarlet Gruber, Tony Dandrades, Ximena Córdoba, and Zuleyka Rivera, Maity Interiano, & Alina Robert.

Past gala honorees include 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, Juan Luis Guerra, Tommy and Thalia Mottola, Chef Adrianne Calvo and Coach Don Shula.

This year’s gala sponsors include: FedEx Express, Gutierrez Family Foundation, Mosteiro Family Foundation, Carnival Foundation, Gloria Estefan Foundation, Neutrogena, Zoological Wildlife Foundation, Anthony Abraham Foundation, International Dermatology Institute, Grupo CIMA, Yezz, Del Monte Fresh Produce, Diario Las Américas, Univision Radio, C-ComGroup Inc., American Tower Corporation, Arteasan, Arven Financial, Ernst & Young, Facebook, HSBC, Omnicom Media Group, Rana Furniture, Wellmax, Tu-Be Global Spirits, FUNKSHION, Event Design Group, Nuage Designs, Ocean Drive Magazine, Casa Diris and The Dream Team Agency.

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Celebrity

Ananda Lewis: A Legacy of Empowerment and Advocacy

Published

10 months ago

June 12, 2025

Kareen Kennedy

Source: People.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.

Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.

Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.

In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.

Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.

Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.

Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.

____________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

Celebrity

Val Kilmer, Iconic ‘Top Gun’ Star, Dies at 65

Published

1 year ago

April 3, 2025

Kareen Kennedy

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.

A Career Full of Iconic Roles

Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.

Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.

A Life Beyond the Screen

Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.

The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.

A Legacy That Will Live On

Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.

Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.

__________________________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

Celebrity

LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge

Published

1 year ago

January 28, 2025

Mike Brodsky

Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.

Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)

Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.