John “Gungie” Rivera’s Interview from Sat. 5/15/10 on NBC’s Chanel 4

John “Gungie” Rivera speaks with NBC’s Chanel 4’s Lynda Baquero about The Cristian Rivera Foundation and The Billboard

Cristian Rivera Foundation to Appear on West Side Highway Billboard


Cristian Rivera Foundation Billboard

The Cristian Rivera Foundation is taking its fight to the streets. The New York-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization will be appearing on a 68x20 billboard, facing south on the north side of the West Side Highway and 132nd Street in Manhattan, for one month beginning May 10, 2010.

Renowned NYC event promoter John “Gungie” Rivera created the Foundation in July 2009 to find a cure for Pontine Glioma, the rare pediatric brain stem tumor that claimed the life of his six-year-old son. Generally, this inoperable tumor affects children between the ages of 1 and 9, with the average lifespan of a child after diagnosis falling between three and 18 months. Only 300 cases of Pontine Glioma are discovered in the United States each year, and the Cristian Rivera Foundation strives to improve the lives of children and families dealing with the disease through awareness and clinical research program funding.

With prominent placement of this billboard, the Cristian Rivera Foundation hopes to invite scores of New York City residents and visitors to log onto the website, learn about Pontine Glioma, make a donation or purchase one of the Foundation’s signature blue wristbands to symbolize their support of the cause.

As the billboard says, “Help our kids. Let’s find a cure for Pontine Glioma."

Cristian Rivera Foundation Featured in Life & Style Magazine


Life & Style Magazine October Issue



Life & Style Magazine P diddy Article

The Cristian Rivera Foundation made the pages of Life & Style magazine. The publication’s latest issue features a photo of P. Diddy showing off the Cristian Rivera Foundation wristband he was seen wearing at New York nightclub Duvet, as well as information about the Foundation’s mission to help children with Pontine Glioma.

Cristian Rivera Foundation Media Kit


Click On Image to View the Media Kit

The Cristian Rivera Foundation Holds Successful First Gala


Tuesday, September 29th 2009

The Cristian Rivera Foundation welcomed family, friends, Committee members and special celebrity guests to its first Gala on Tuesday, September 29 at Eden. Hosted by comedian Ruperto Vanderpool and emceed by J.I. Starr of La Mega 97.9 FM, the night featured entertainment from Committee member Raul Acosta of Oro Solido, as well as moving tributes to Cristian Rivera and a special speech by New York City mayoral candidate Bill Thompson. Guests enjoyed a dinner catered by celebrity chefs Ricardo Cardona and Alex Garcia and featuring food from Hudson River Café, Mamajuana Café, Sofrito, 809 Bar & Grill, Sazon, Calle Ocho and Playa.

Among those special guests who came to remember Cristian at the site of his fifth birthday, as well as raise funds toward finding a cure for Pontine Glioma, were actor Luis Guzman, actress Miriam Colon, filmmaker Franc Reyes, international Salsa star and Committee member Jose Alberto “El Canario,” Dina Manzo of Real Housewives of New Jersey and rapper Jim Jones, who is the latest member of the Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee. Jones has made many appearances on the Billboard charts since releasing his first solo album in 2004, including his biggest hit “We Fly High.” He is co-CEO of Diplomat Records, has his own freestyle rollerblading team, Dip Skate, and is an acclaimed video director who has worked with Cam'ron, Remy Ma and State Property.

Click here to view the gallery or Click here for more info

Video of John "Gungie" Rivera's Interview on Eyewitness News Channel 7

Special Guest John "Gungie" Rivera shared the inspirational story of his son's battle with Pontine Glioma on Eyewitness News on Channel 7, Sunday September 6th at 7:00am.

John shared his wonderful memories of his son, Cristian, as well as discussed how Cristian inspired him to start the Cristian Rivera Foundation in hopes to one day finding a cure for Pontine Glioma.

Video of Forbe's Magazine "Song of Love" For Cristian.




On Tuesday November 18th 2008, the employees of Forbes Magazine got together to add their voices to the 17,000th "song of love" created for 6 year old Cristian Rivera. The recording took place at the Forbes headquarters in New York City. Singer/songwriter Alex Forbes, a member of the family, wrote and performed Cristian's "song of love". Wallace Forbes, recorded the spoken introduction.