Ballet Hispánico's Carnaval Gala raised more than $1 million

Celebrating trailblazing Latina leaders, Ballet Hispánico’s Carnaval Gala on May 15 at The Plaza Hotel raised more than $1 million in support of the organization’s artistic, educational and community outreach programs in New York City, across the United States and around the world. This includes the creation of new Company works, scholarships for students at the renown Ballet Hispánico School of Dance, and numerous community arts and educational programs.

Ballet Hispánico honored legendary actress and EGOT winner Rita Moreno with the Toda Una Vida Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by actress Gina Rodriguez, and Pinnacle Group Chairman and CEO Nina Vaca with the Nuestra Inspiración Award, presented by Ralph de la Vega, the former Vice Chairman of AT&T Inc. and CEO of Business Solutions & International.

Gina Rodriguez, the Golden Globe-nominated star of the CW comedy series Jane the Virgin, praised Ms. Moreno’s extraordinary career that has inspired generations of Latino performers and artists. “We are in the presence of greatness,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “We are in the presence of a woman who not only acts, sings, dances, wins an Oscar, a Tony, an Emmy, a Grammy - but an artist who changed the world with her art.”