The Cristian Rivera Foundation Donates $100,000 to Dr. Mark Souweidane
of Weill Cornell Medical Center at Third Annual Gala

Thanks to overwhelming ticket sales, live and silent auction purchases, and donations associated with this year’s Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala, John “Gungie” Rivera was proud to present Dr. Mark Souweidane with a check for $100,000 at the star-studded event. 

John was joined on stage by all of the Cristian Rivera Foundation committee members in attendance - including former Bronx Borough President and mayoral candidate Fernando Ferrer, celebrity chef Alex Garcia, actress and founder of the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre Miriam Colon, celebrity chef Ricardo Cardona, legendary producer John “Jellybean” Benitez, former New York Knicks all-star Anthony Mason, La Mega’s JI Starr, concert impresario Ralph Mercado III, interior decorator Solange Osorio and professional body builder Victor Martinez - or this historic moment. 

The event was held at the newly re-launched Copacabana Supper Club and Event Space in Times Square and hosted by Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson and award-winning actor Luis Guzman, both committee members of the Cristian Rivera Foundation. It featured a 30-minute band set by legendary pop/Latin singer Brenda K. Starr and food provided by Celebrity Chefs Ricardo Cardona and Alex Garcia. Among the night’s esteemed guests were Danielle Staub of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, comedian Ruperto Vanderpool, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., New York City Comptroller John Liu, Dangerous Minds actor Renaly Santiago and, of course, Dr. Souweidane, the Director of the Weill Cornell Pediatric Brain and Spine Center who took this opportunity to announce that his one-of-a-kind novel delivery system has gotten approval from the FDA and clinical trials will start in a few weeks. 

You can still help the Cristian Rivera Foundation raise money for Dr. Souweidane’s exciting and important work. Visit www.cristianriverafoundation.org to make a donation, or to purchase signature foundation t-shirts or one of our three styles of wristbands. All money raised goes directly to Dr. Souweidane and his team, and every donation, big or small, helps us get closer to our goal of curing DIPG forever. For photos of the Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundaiton Gala, visit www.cristianriverafoundation.org/gala3 or www.facebook.com/cristianriverafoundation.

Tickets for the Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala Are On Sale Now!!!

Show your support for the Cristian Rivera Foundation by attending the Third Annual Crisitian Rivera Foundation Gala on Monday, September 12, 2011 from 6pm to 10pm at the Copacabana Supper Club
Located in Times Square at 268 
W. 47th St. between Broadway and 8th Avenue.  

The Gala will be hosted by Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee Members, Saturday Night Live and Nickelodeon Star Kenan Thompson and award-winning actor Luis Guzmán. There will be a live performance by 
Pop/Latin singer Brenda K Starr and band. 

There will be red carpet arrivals for our esteemed committee members and high-profile guests.  A cocktail hour, followed by dinner with unlimited food and drinks provided by some of New York’s finest restaurants as well as a live and silent auction. Cocktail attire required. 

For more developments on the Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala, including additional hosts, entertainment and live and silent auction items, please continue to check this page, as it will be updated often.

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF CRISTIAN RIVERA AND IN OUR QUEST TO FIND A CURE FOR DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA (DIPG).

Your attendance will mean the world to the Cristian Rivera Foundation and will help save the lives of children suffering from Pontine Glioma.

Help Us Find a Cure for Pontine Glioma. All proceeds from your ticket purchase go toward finding a cure for 
Pontine Glioma. Click here to buy your ticket today.

Click Here to purchase or for more information about
Gala Sponosorship Opportunities And Program Advertisements

Cristian Rivera Foundation Walk-A-Thon is a Huge Success!


The participants in the Cristian Rivera Foundation Walk-a-thon proudly holding up the Foundation banner after they concluded the walk-a-thon.

At 9 AM this past Sunday, April 17th, 2011 Cristian Rivera Foundation supporters trickled into the Roberto Clemente State park in the Bronx wearing Cristian Rivera Foundation t-shirts and wristbands to show their support in finding a cure for DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). 

The Walk-for-Health was created to inspire community consciousness and raise funds to help fight a variety of ailments that affect our community. This year the focus was on fatal pediatric brain stem tumors and benefited The Cristian Rivera Foundation. 

The Cristian Rivera Foundation's mission is to help find a cure for Pontine Glioma brain stem tumors, which ultimately claimed Cristian's young life. The Cristian Rivera Foundation donates all monies raised to hospitals and foundations researching cures for Pontine Glioma through medical trials and scientific research. For instance, the Cristian Rivera Foundation actively supports Dr. Mark Soudweidane of the Weill Cornell Medical Center, who has formed a clinical trial that will aim to bypass the blood-brain barrier and treat Pontine Giloma tumors directly. The Foundation also donates to public awareness campaigns that seek to raise community consciousness regarding this terrible disease. 

Proud friends, family and supporters joined Cristian Rivera Foundation committee members; Deputy Inspector Edward Caban, La Mega 97.9 FM's On-Air Radio Personality J.I. Starr, The Remix King DJ Tedsmooth, Marketing Company Owner Elis Pacheco, Interior Designer Solange Osorio, Talent Agency CEO Carlos "Keyes" Fernandez, Renowned DJ and Business Impresario Ralph Mercado III, Art Director for Lillian August Design Katie DeFlorio, Music Producer and Cutting Records Owner Aldo Marin, Real Estate Agent Fulvia Lora and Cristian Rivera Foundation Founder John "Gungie" Rivera to begin the 5 mile walk through the Roberto Clemente State Park. 

The Hudson River Café donated water bottles which were passed out by happy volunteers cheering the walkers on. The walk concluded with a group picture and pledges to come back for the next walk-a-thon.

REGISTRATION FEE:
Minimum Registration Fee of $10 per person
May register at the event
Donations will be accepted if you decide not to walk

Benefiting
the Cristian Rivera Foundation

TO PRE-REGISTER ONLINE:
Please be sure to continue to the registration form after paying or
Follow Here for Registration Form
Please fill out one registration form per person

Walk-A-Thon Registration

$10 Registration $10.00 $20 Registration $20.00 $30 Registration $30.00 $40 Registration $40.00 $50 Registration $50.00 $100 Registration $100.00

For More Information Call:
The Cristian Rivera Foundation: (212) 779-2222


Registration Options:
Wristbands, T-Shirts and Gift Cards will be available for pick up in the park on the day of the event

$10.00 per person ($10 Value):
General Registration

$20.00 per person ($20 Value):
General Registration
Signature Cristian Rivera Foundation Wristband (Please specify size in registration form)

$30.00 per person ($30 Value):
General Registration
Signature Cristian Rivera Foundation T-Shirt (Please specify size in registration form)

$40.00 per person ($40 Value):
General Registration
Signature Cristian Rivera Foundation Wristband (Please specify size in registration form)
Signature Cristian Rivera Foundation T-Shirt (Please specify size in registration form)

$50.00 per person ($65 Value):
General Registration
Signature Cristian Rivera Foundation Wristband (Please specify size in registration form)
Signature Cristian Rivera Foundation T-Shirt (Please specify size in registration form)
$25 Gift Card to Havana Cafe or the Hudson River Cafe (Please specify restaurant in registration form)

$100.00 per person ($120 Value):
General Registration
2 Signature Cristian Rivera Foundation Wristband (Please specify sizes in registration form)
2 Signature Cristian Rivera Foundation T-Shirt (Please specify sizes in registration form)
2 $25 Gift Cards to Havana Cafe or the Hudson River Cafe (Please specify restaurants in registration form)

For Corporate Participation:
Click Here to See Sponsorship Packages

ADDRESS:

Roberto Clemente State Park
West Tremont and Mattewson Road
Bronx, NY 10453

DIRECTIONS:

By train: All MetroNorth Commuter Trains stop st Morris Heights Station For details, call 212-532-4901
By Bus: 18 Bus and 40 Bus to River Park Towers and Roberto Clemente State Park Bridge. Walk Down the ramp to the park.
By Subway: Lexington Avenue IRT Woodlawn Road #4 to Burnside Station. Then take BX40 bus westbound to the last stop. IND 205th Street Grand Concourse "D" to 170th Street Station. Then take Route 18 bus westbound to park

John "Gungie" Rivera's Ch 7 Interview

John "Gungie" Rivera's interviewed on Ch 7 News regarding DIPG, the Cristain Rivera Foundation and the upcoming walk-a-thon to benefit the Cristian Rivera Foundation, this Sunday 4/17/11 at Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx.

John "Gungie" Rivera's Bronxnet Interview

The Cristian Rivera Foundation April 2011 Newsletter

The Cristian Rivera Foundation March 2011 Newsletter

John "Gungie" Rivera Appears on the
Cover of Celebrity Parents Magazine


Monday, March 7th 2011

John "Gungie" Rivera was featured in the February issue of Celebrity Parents Magazine. Not only was he interviewed about the Cristian Rivera Foundation, DIPG and his memories of Cristian, but he also appeared on the magazine's cover. The intimate cover photo features John in Cristian's room, surrounded by photos and other items that represent Cristian's interests and personality. The entire article is available online at www.celebrityparentsmag.com/2011/02/on-the-cover-john-gungie-rivera.html

Business Impresario Ralph Mercado III
Presents a Check to the Cristian Rivera Foundation


Friday, February 25th 2011

Business impresario Ralph Mercado III recently presented a check for over $5,000 to the Cristian Rivera Foundation. Mercado's company RMP LIVE in association with John "Gungie" Rivera and NuLife Entertainment produced the show, "La Invasion del Amor" which was held at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 12, 2011. A portion of the proceeds went to benefit the Cristian Rivera Foundation. The show featured Salsa star Victor Manuelle and Merengue sensation Elvis Crespo, amongst many other talented artists, who came out in support the foundation by wearing the signature blue Cristian Rivera Foundation wristbands. "The Cristian Rivera Foundation is a wonderful charity, and I feel truly privileged to be a part of it," said Mercado III. "I can't imagine going through the amount of pain John has had to endure. We can make a difference; I know we can. Pontine Glioma is a disease that everyone should be aware of and I am happy to do what I can to help spread the word."

Legendary Concert Promoter Vito Bruno Makes $6,000 Donation to the Cristian Rivera Foundation


Thursday, February 10th 2011

Legendary concert promoter Vito Bruno recently sent the Cristian Rivera Foundation a check for $6,000 from the proceeds of the 25th Anniversary of Freestyle concer, held at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on Saturday November 6th. Bruno produced the show, which featured freestyle artists like George Lamond, Lisa Lisa, Stevie B., Judy Torres, Cover Girls, Coro, Susie Q and Noel. This was the largest single donation the foundation received to date. "The Cristian Rivera Foundation is a great charity," said Bruno. "We can't reunite John with his son but we can help other parents not lose their children. The worst thing in the world is for a parent to lose a child. Pontine Glioma needs to be dealt with, researched, cured and controlled. We'll gladly help because it's an important foundation for an important cause."

Cristian Rivera Foundation Donates an
Additional $10,000 to Dr. Mark Souweidane


Wednesday, January 26th 2011

Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee Member Solange Osorio and John "Gungie" Rivera paid a visit to Dr. Mark Souweidane at Weill Cornell Medical Center on Wednesday January 26th to personally bring him a $10,000 check from the Foundation. Thus far the Cristian Rivera Foundation has donated $40,000 to Dr  Souweidane’s research.  The money will help pay for Dr. Souweidane's clinical trials, which aim to bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver treatment directly to the Pontine Glioma tumor. While they were there, they got the latest update on Dr. Souweidane's research. The trials are set to begin in the next few months, after they've finished raising money and get final approval.

The Second Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala Raises Money Toward Curing Inoperable Pediatric Brain Cancer Pontine Glioma


Tuesday, October 19th 2010

The Cristian Rivera Foundation presented Dr. Mark Souweidane with $30,000 at its Second Annual Gala, which took place at NYC event space Quo on Tuesday, October 19. The money raised from ticket sales is funding promising clinical research that Dr. Souweidane feels will revolutionize the treatment of Pontine Glioma. Dr. Souweidane, who also received the Foundation's Vision of Hope award, has dedicated his career to the goal of curing this inoperable brain stem tumor. This substantial donation was just one of the night's many highlights. Guests got the chance to bid on unique items in both live and silent auctions, including boxing gloves autographed by legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and a date with "Las Gemelas Lulu y Lala" from The Luis Jimenez Show on X96.3. Celebrity Chefs Alex Garcia and Ricardo Cardona, recipients of the night's Outstanding Service Awards, fed the night's guests with food donated from top NYC restaurants. In addition, Cristian Rivera Foundation founder John "Gungie" Rivera presented Committee Members Tedsmooth and Kenya Bradix with the Cristian Rivera Humanitarian Award for their tireless efforts and dedication to the community. Both of them were very close to Cristian and were touched by the surprise honor. Rivera also presented a special posthumous honor to Ralph Mercado, Sr., who passed away from a brain tumor five weeks after Cristian Rivera lost his life to Pontine Glioma. Committee Member Ralph Mercado III accepted the award in memory of his father's admirable character, lifetime achievements, and courage in his battle with cancer. Among those in attendance were Dangerous Minds actor Renoly Santiago, actor/singer Frankie Negron, Committee Member and rapper Jim Jones, legendary producer and Committee Member Little Louie Vega, Committee Member and former New York Knicks All Star Anthony Mason, Committee Member Funkmaster Flex, Committee Member J.I. Starr of La Mega, singer George Lamond, comedian Ruperto Vanderpool, Committee Member Mr. Olympia Victor Martinez, Committee Member and music producer Boy Wonder of Chosen Few, Committee Member DJ Camilo, singer Brenda K. Starr, singer O'Neill McKnight, Committee Member and film producer David Maldonado, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, and Former Bronx Borough President and Committee Member Fernando Ferrer.

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

Tickets for the Second Annual
Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala are on Sale Now!!!

Show your support for the Cristian Rivera Foundation by attending our Second Annual Gala on Tuesday, October 19. One ticket gets you admission to NYC event space Quo—located at 511 W. 28th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues in Manhattan—from 6pm to 10pm. There will be red carpet arrivals for our esteemed committee members and high-profile guests, plus unlimited food and drinks provided by some of New York's finest restaurants. Cocktail attire required.

All proceeds from your ticket purchase go toward finding a cure for Pontine Glioma.
So click here to buy your ticket today.

The 2nd Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala Will Take Place Tuesday October 19th at Quo in New York City

Tuesday, October 19th at Quo in New York City will be the 2nd Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala. Join us to celebrate the life of Cristian Rivera. Your attendance will mean the world to the Cristian Rivera Foundation and will help save the lives of children suffering from Pontine Glioma.

Keep checking www.cristianriverafoundation.org or call 212-779-2222 for the latest information on entertainment, special guest appearances, how to buy tickets and more.

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

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.