New York(SMI-WIRE,04.28.17)The Latino Commission on Aids (Cielo) hosted it's 2017 annual gala

celebration this evening honoring Broadway's Hamilton star Javie Munoz, and Dr. Mary Travis  Bassett, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, with a special fashion presentation by renowned Mexican fashion designer " Ricardo Seco " at Cipriani's Wall Street NYC.

" It's one thing to be honor in this way but to me honor by my community that's everything , that's family, that's roots, identity and means so much to be honor by my community in anywhere else

or anyone's else". said Javier Munoz to Starlight Illustrated about being honor by Cielo.

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The evening consisted of a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and an awards presentation. The event theme – Designing a World Without AIDS - speaks to critical health issues, along with the Latino Commission on AIDS’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.

" It's very important for me to have some social responsibility ever since  I started my career in Mexico, I started supporting an Aids organization in Mexico and continued when I arrived to New York supporting Aids for Aids and now Cielo and the collection symbolize that.This collection is called " Juntos/ Together " represent the pride of being an immigrant and speaking as a Mexican we are talking about two countries (USA & Mexico) that we always being together (Territorial) and alway will be together and the best communication is the dialogue and do what we do best and learn to share it."Said Ricardo Seco to Starlight Illustrated about the concept behind his collection presentation" Junto/Together ".

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Actor J.W Cortez inducted Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere as the newest Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS."It's very important to me because for one year I will be working with the latino Commission on promoting Aids preventions with men and women " said to 2016 Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere about her new role as Madrina of Cielo.

 

" I'm here supporting the Latino Commission once again because I was the Madrina 2013 and kept supporting through 2014.As Madrina (Marshall or Godmother) during a whole year I was able to learn a little more about the fatal disease that is the SIDA.I'm been following my humanitarian career by not only supporting this cause but involving women, young girls and young boys in educating them mostly to Latin-American population that seems to be affected mainly with the HIV-SIDA.The hope to search and support because with support we can accomplish a lot "Said former Miss Universe 2013 " Gabriela Isler about her attendance and contributions on Cielo Gala and as a humanitarian person.

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Honorees:Javier Munoz

In 2005, Muñoz auditioned for Lin-Manuel Miranda, writer, composer and star of the Tony-winning hit In The Heights. Miranda chose Muñoz as his understudy in the role of Usnavi, which Muñoz later assumed full time upon Miranda's departure.

When Miranda began writing the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning smash Hamilton, Muñoz was an active part of the musical's early development and creation. They developed the role of Alexander Hamilton together, and Muñoz served as Miranda's alternate at the Public Theater off-Broadway debut in 2015, as well as throughout the Broadway engagement. On July 11th, 2016, Muñoz assumed the title role of Alexander Hamilton full time on Broadway. Ben Brantley of The New York Times has said that Muñoz’s performance maintains “the balance of a revolutionary show about a revolutionary era that seems better every time I see it," adding, "His Hamilton is sexy with his penetrating stare and Don Juan smile. When he's courting the ladies and other characters describe him as a tomcat, you know exactly what they mean." 

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Honorees: Dr. Mary Travis Bassett

Dr. Mary Travis Bassett was appointed commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in January 2014. With more than 30 years of experience in public health, Dr. Bassett has dedicated her career to advancing health equity. In 2002, Dr. Bassett was appointed deputy commissioner of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where she directed key initiatives, including bans on smoking and trans fats in restaurants and the requirement at chain restaurants to post calorie counts. She also established the department’s District Public Health Offices (DPHOs) in East and Central Harlem, the South Bronx and North and Central Brooklyn to lead targeted health and communication strategies in these communities that experience an excess burden of disease. Each office advances community health through home visiting programs, free exercise programs, efforts to increase access to healthy food, meetings with area doctors and coordination with local coalitions. Dr. Bassett grew up in New York City, received her B.A. in History and Science from Harvard University, her M.D. from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. She served her medical residency at Harlem Hospital Center, and has a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Washington. She served for many years as an associate editor of the American Journal of Public Health.

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About Cielo:

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. This year, Cielo Gala will benefit the OASIS: Latino LGBTS Wellness Center, a new initiative of the Commission which over the past year has worked to build a community of support for all Latino LGBT’s in New York City.