Q&A with Daisy Fuentes
Hosting 7th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala
AWB: Why is the 7th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars gala on May 16th at the Intercontinental Miami a must-attend event?
It’s a must-attend and must look into. The event brings awareness as to what research St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is working on, and what the hospital does. It costs over $1 million a day to run the hospital, which is free to all patients. St Jude puts their kids’ families in nearby housing, and helps the kids continue their education. Fundraising is hard in these times, and the children are the last ones who should suffer from these economic times.
AWB: How many years have you been involved with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital?
I have been involved with the gala for about five years, and the organization for over 15 years. It started with going to their events, and then I went to the hospital to visit the kids right before Christmas. It was an uplifting experience, full of hope. The energy, support, and love of everybody there are tremendous, and they are heavily focused on research. It’s a genuine support system. At this year’s gala I am serving as Celebrity Chair. I’ll say hello and thank everybody. We have celebrity performers Fanny Lu, Cristian Castro, Willy Chirino, and Arthur Hanlon. Tommy Mottola and Thalia are being honored this year, and the audience will hear a very personal story from a family about their experiences.
AWB: Can you tell us about a few of the fabulous auction items at the event?
A Cartier watch valued at $9,000. A private dinner for 10 with famed Chef Adrianne Calvo, which includes wine and a seven-course meal. Guests will enjoy dinner and drinks while painting a 24″x30″ canvas with famed artist Romero Britto.
AWB: How do you decide what to wear to a gala?
I usually wait until right before the event to pick out a dress. To the St. Jude’s gala, I’m going to wear a Roberto Rodriguez dress that I recently purchased from a shoot in Puerto Rico for the magazine Imagen.
AWB: What other non-profit organizations do you support?
Race to Erase MS with Nancy Davis. It’s a gala dinner/fundraiser.
AWB: I know our readers would like to know a little about your life. What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Aspen. I learned how to snowboard at 40 and I get better every year. You also get more fearful every year.
AWB: As a fan of Pilates, what’s your favorite Pilates move and why?
A roll-up is a great way to do a sit-up and it’s a great stretch. Also, I’ll be launching the Daisy Fuentes Pilates for Wii Fit this summer or early fall.
AWB: You’re, of course, a regular in Miami. What are your favorite Miami shopping destinations, restaurants and hotels?
The Village of Merrick Park and Bal Harbour Shops – perfect for shopping, people watching, and sipping a martini. Restaurants: Cafe Violetto and also Graciano’s. Both happen to be in Coral Gables. Hotels: Acqualina in Sunny Isles and Mandarin Oriental in downtown Miami.
AWB: What do you enjoy most about Miami and what’s your favorite activity?
I enjoy Miami for its nature, during the day. I am not really a nighttime person. Going on a bike ride, walking outside, canoeing, going to the Everglades for a day trip with the family. The outdoors, the whole nature side, that is what’s intriguing to me about Miami. My favorite thing to do in Miami is to get out and spend the weekend on the boat. I have a lot of family who live down here. Between work and family, I get down to Miami often.
To purchase tickets for the FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars gala, get information on sponsorship opportunities, or to donate items for the silent auction, please call 1-800-278-3383, email paola.cassana@stjude.org or visit stjude.org/miamigala.
