THE CRISTIAN RIVERA FOUNDATION HOSTS SOLD-OUT FUNDRAISER
IN SUPPORT DIPG FAMILIES AND RESEARCH AT WEILL CORNELL MEDICINE
On November 12, the Cristian Rivera Foundation (CRF) hosted its 16th Annual Celebrity Gala at Cipriani Wall Street, bringing together celebrities, philanthropists, and medical leaders in support of children and families affected by Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive pediatric brain tumor.
The sold-out event featured a red-carpet reception, seated dinner, awards ceremony, live and silent auctions, and entertainment, culminating in a lively after-party celebrating progress, community, and hope. Proceeds from the evening support critical clinical trials at Weill Cornell Medical Center, and Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, as well as direct financial assistance for families.
The gala was hosted by CRF celebrity board members Kenan Thompson, Darlene Rodriguez, Luis Guzmán, and Malik Yoba, with additional board members and supporters in attendance from across the entertainment, sports, and medical communities.
This year’s honorees included Brandon, Kyle, Ryan, and Casey Lutnick of the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund; New York Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera; Dr. John Boockvar, Vice Chair of Neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital featured on Netflix’s Lenox Hill; and professional boxing champion Edgar Berlanga, pictured above with DIPG warrior Emiliano Bermejo, whose courage was a highlight of the evening.
Founded in 2009 by John “Gungie” Rivera in memory of his son Cristian, the foundation has donated more than $3.5 million to DIPG research and family support and remains one of the nation’s largest funders of this work.
“The Cristian Rivera Foundation is all about love, hope, and action,” said John “Gungie” Rivera, Founder and President of CRF. “Every child and family facing DIPG deserves a future. Together, we are turning heartbreak into hope.”
Major beneficiary Dr. Mark Souweidane, Vice Chair of Neurological Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, credited the foundation with accelerating meaningful progress in the field.
“When I began this work, there were no survivors and no options,” said Dr. Souweidane. “Because of the Cristian Rivera Foundation and its supporters, we are making real inroads—and children are living longer than ever thought possible.”
The Cristian Rivera Foundation continues to honor Cristian Rivera’s legacy by funding innovative research, raising awareness, and supporting families—while working relentlessly toward a cure.
Save the Date for the 17th Annual Gala on Tuesday, November 10. To participate or support the event while learning more about CRF, visit https://cristianriverafoundation.org.
For event photos, visit the photo gallery here: https://cristianriverafoundation.org/16th-gala/
About the Cristian Rivera Foundation:
The Cristian Rivera Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and supporting families affected by this devastating disease. Through collaboration with leading medical institutions and a commitment to funding groundbreaking research, CRF strives to improve outcomes and inspire hope for children battling this rare, universally fatal pediatric brain cancer.