BY: Art Campomanes Staff Writer for World Liberty TV

In anticipation of Sunday’s massive cultural celebration on Fifth Avenue, the 59th edition of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) will host its Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Gala.

The Parade’s Board of Directors along with honorees and special guests  come together for a glamorous night of luminaries, entertainment, and speeches celebrating distinguished Puerto Ricans in corporate America, as well as cultural pride and empowerment.

Proceeds will benefit NPRDP’s Scholarship Program, a prime community component of the Parade’s programing which is expanding each year.  In 2016 the Scholarship program has grown six-fold, which affirms the Gala’s importance in continuing to making strides in benefit of the community’s education.Special music performance by salsa legend Andy Montañez.

Gala Honoree’s in attendance include:

Emilio Estefan (Corporate Trailblazer Award)

Carmelo Anthony (Humanitarian Award)

Ingrid Otero-Smart (Corporate Leadership Award)

Larry Lugo (Corporate Responsibility Award)

 

The following National Puerto Rican Day Parade 2016 honorees were also be in attendance:

 

Ednita Nazario (Grand Marshal)

Rosario Dawson (Parade Queen)

Adam Rodriguez (Godfather)

Jeimy Osorio (Boricua Superstar)

Candy Maldonado (Lifetime Achievement)

Orlando “El Fenómeno” Cruz (Special Recognition)

 

 

 

 

Special guest and entrepreneur, Carlos López-Lay, founder of the yonomequito social movement and Foundation, will present the screening of a video highlighting the positive impacts of the movement’s initiatives for a prosperous Puerto Rico.