Community Leaders Honored in Los Angeles For Making A Positive Impact Thursday April 28

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 27, 2016 / April 28, 2016 at 6pm, Angelenos will gather to celebrate five incredible leaders making a profound difference through community engagement at the historic Biltmore Hotel. Familia Unida Living with MS, a LA based MS non-profit organization, is ringing in 20 years of service by recognizing inspirational community leaders.

Familia Unida is delighted and thrilled that JM Longoria who is featured in the newly released film “Miracles from Heaven,” will be joining as the Master of Ceremonies. The characters in this inspiring movie help us to remember that there is hope which closely compliments the non-profits mission. “I am incredibly humbled and honored to be invited to partake as the Masters of Ceremonies for the Familia Unida 20th Anniversary of Service Celebration. It gives me great pleasure to help celebrate the selfless acts of others that continuously share their love and commitment for the sole purpose of inspiring others while making a profound impact within our diverse community. I look forward to meeting these individuals and learning more about how we can continue to further support our brothers and sisters,” said JM Longoria.

Community Leader, Activist, and Angeleno receiving the “Distinguished Amigo Advocate” Recognition

– David Damian Figueroa, A Community Advocate is a long time supporter of “Familia Unida.” Mr. Figueroa will receive the “Distinguished Amigo Award” for his dedication to advocate and bring awareness to many worthy causes through his leadership and wealth of expertise. David Damian Figueroa is currently the AVP, of Community Engagement for the Frontier Communications West Region. He is the former Vice President of Strategic Development and Communications for MALDEF where he was charged in developing strategic partnerships with donors and in developing the organizations public profile. His background and expertise in government affairs, media relationships, foundation partnerships, civic engagement has earned him the respect from his peers and community at large. David Damian’s personal commitment for positive social change and volunteering for worthy causes including the Dolores Huerta Foundation, The Cesar Chavez Foundation, Familia Unida Living with MS, and being a prominent voice within the LBGT community and immigration causes has earned him numerous recognitions.

Champion of Amor Honoree – Familia Unida Gala 20 years of Service

– Dr. David Saperia, Leading Neurologist at Rancho Los Amigos: Dr. Saperia will be recognized for his passion to better serve his patients which has been his lifetime commitment while also bridging a wide range of medical expertise and holistic treatment simply because he cares to offer the best options. Dr. Saperia has touched and cared for countless patients throughout his impressive career. He is has also served on the board of directors for Familia Unida and is currently a Board Ambassador.

Community Leader and Champion of Hope Honoree

– Elizabeth Espinosa, Emmy award winning KFI-AM 640 talkradio host, PBS SoCal “Studio So Cal” tv host, and KTLA-5 News Reporter/Anchor, who was recently named by the “The Hollywood Reporter” as one of Hollywood’s Most Powerful Latino Talent Under 40 in the entertainment industry will be recognized for her tireless special needs advocacy work in the community and across the country. Elizabeth is also a special needs advocate and supports a number of important charities across the country, including the Epilepsy Foundation of America and The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. She is also passionate about Autism Awareness as it is a cause close to her heart. Elizabeth Espinosa is a voice for the community and we are witnesses to the many ways that she brings awareness many important causes.

Angeleno and Champion of Inspiration Honoree – Familia Unida Gala 20 years of Service – Community Leader

– Ivan Estrella will be recognized for being an outstanding example of courage, confidence and compassion through his musical talent that touches hearts and inspires us to pursue our dreams with positivity and love. Ivan is living with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis since he was 13 and is legally blind. Ivan expresses that this can be scary and unpredictable. Ivan has also mentored children with musical training and fun activities at Alta Loma Elementary School, Plaza De La Raza, and Sabor De Mexico School of Performing Arts, El Arca, the Special Olympics World Games to name a few. Ivan never stopped pursuing his education, desire to give back to the community, and share his knowledge with others in need. His career as a Professional Mariachi Singer and Musician continues to flourish.

Master of Ceremonies Familia Unida Gala 20 years of Service honoring community leaders

About Familia Unida Living with MS:

Familia Unida Living with MS was created 20 years ago. Familia Unida has evolved and today serves over 15,000 individuals living with MS and a variety of disabilities. Familia Unida invites you to spread awareness of their motto “You are not alone – No estas solo” and embrace your family and loved ones. The Dinner Gala is a wonderful way to celebrate 2 decades of service, raise funds to support our vital programs and recognize impactful individuals. to learn more www.lovefamiliaunida.org.

According to the MS Foundation, every day someone in the United States is diagnosed with MS, about 200 new cases are diagnosed each week. There are more than 400,000 people living with MS in the United States and about 2.5 million worldwide. This does not include many who are not diagnosed or missed diagnosed due to language and cultural barriers, said Familia Unida’s Founder, Irma Resendez. To learn more about Familia Unida, donate or volunteer please visit http://www.lovefamiliaunida.org or call 323.418.2667

Celebrating 20 years of service honoring community leaders.

SOURCE: Familia Unida Living with MS

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