Photography by: Adele Godfrey (http://www.adelegodfrey.com), Makeup by: Alisa Jurnari, Hair by: Mary Wood

NEW YORK, NY – Mar. 20, 2013 – The popular host of NBC’s Early Today Show, MSNBC anchor and founder of the Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation, Veronica De La Cruz, gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The television journalist’s 8 pound, 4 ounce bundle of joy was born with dark hair and green eyes and has been named Hartley Eric, after the journalist’s brother who died in 2009.

“Before my brother died, I started an online campaign to raise money for a life-saving heart transplant,” noted De La Cruz. “Thousands of compassionate Twitter followers came out to support the effort and we lovingly referred to them as Eric’s Twitter Army. They all displayed banners on their online avatars that read, ‘<3 Eric,’ which is where my son’s name comes from. If you look at my own social media profile, you will see still see a heart followed by the name Eric. That is what inspired my son’s name.”

De La Cruz and her mother Rose have been over the moon at little Hartley’s arrival, with the new mom noting, “After the pain and devastation of losing Eric almost four years ago, having a healthy baby feels like an incredible miracle. Of course, he couldn’t be any more beautiful. I think I can safely say I have finally met the love of my life.”

De La Cruz said she is looking forward to sharing her personal journey into motherhood through a new non-profit organization and website which will launch later this year.

Prior to joining MSNBC in 2010, De La Cruz spent five and a half years at CNN Worldwide, serving as an anchor and correspondent. Most recently, she was a correspondent for CNN’s American Morning. In addition, she founded and anchored CNN Pipeline and created the segment Dotcom Desk. During her tenure at CNN, De La Cruz anchored and reported live coverage of major breaking news stories such as Hurricane Katrina, the Southeast Asian Tsunami, the 2008 presidential elections, the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict, the death of Ronald Reagan, the collapse of Wall Street, the housing market crash, and a series that celebrated diversity entitled Asian in America.

Before joining CNN in 2003, De La Cruz anchored and reported for KYMA, an NBC News affiliate in Yuma, Arizona. During her tenure at KYMA, De La Cruz covered pertinent issues such as immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border, the nation’s growing shortage of qualified nurses, and the plight of the migrant farm worker and a special series on the homeless in the Yuma area.

Photography by: Adele Godfrey (http://www.adelegodfrey.com)

De La Cruz began her career in broadcasting hosting a music show she created called Direct Drive on the Digital Entertainment Network, where she interviewed countless musicians and bands. She also served as a host for SonicNet and Eruptor Entertainment’s Living Giant.

In addition to her role as an MSNBC anchor, De La Cruz is an active volunteer with groups promoting healthcare reform and in 2010 started the Eric De La Cruz’s Hope for Hearts Foundation, a non-profit organization, in honor of her brother Eric, who passed away after a struggle to get health insurance with a pre-existing medical condition. The Hope For Hearts Foundation assists patients and families in need as they face the daunting financial and emotional challenges associated with obtaining a heart transplant.

Prior to her career in journalism, De La Cruz spent a decade of her life as a competitive figure skater. She is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association. She also mentors students at the Associated Press Television-Radio Association’s academy as well as other university students, most recently doing so in Paris. She resides in New York City.

For more information regarding Veronica De La Cruz, or to receive other baby photos, please contact Susan von Seggern on susan@susanvonseggern.com or 213-840-0077.

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Photography by: Adele Godfrey, http://www.adelegodfrey.com
Makeup by: Alisa Jurnari
Hair by: Mary Wood

To download a PDF of this press release, click here.

NEW YORK, NY – November 11, 2012 – Acclaimed operatic soprano Alyson Cambridge, Cuban roots recording artist Jose Conde, and noted health care advocate Wendell Potter joined a downtown crowd of supporters and philanthropists Friday night at New York City’s Porsche Design for the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation’s Autumn Fundraiser. The event raised money for heart transplant patients in need as well as the American Red Cross’ efforts to provide relief to those across the region suffering from Hurricane Sandy.

Themed “New York: We’re All In This Together,” the event featured speeches and entertainment as well as a charity raffle and silent auction. The evening was co-hosted by Comedy Central star, CNN contributor and Huffington Post political blogger Dean Obeidallah (pictured left) and MSNBC anchor Veronica De La Cruz (pictured left), who founded Hope For Hearts in 2010 after the death of her brother, Eric.

“This event fosters a greater sense of community with our patients, families, and friends while recognizing the efforts of those who works tirelessly to support the Foundation’s mission,” stated De La Cruz.  “We thank everyone who participated in Hope For Hearts Autumn Fundraiser and are so happy to have raised significant funds that will help patients and families facing the overwhelming costs related to receiving a heart transplant.”

SoHo’s Porsche Design was the setting for the inspirational fundraiser. A cadre of guests from the celebrity, fashion, music, and media worlds turned out to attend the dinner event and support those affected by Hurricane Sandy. The evening’s Latin-themed festivities began with a cocktail hour sponsored by Veev Vita Frute and Ciroc Vodka. Comedian Dean Obeidallah kept the crowd laughing throughout the evening as co-host and guests enjoyed a buffet dinner featuring dishes from celebrity chefs. Dinner was followed by live performances from the Cuban-centric guitarist Jose Conde, internationally renowned lyric soprano, Alyson Cambridge (pictured right) and the well-known flamenco/tango dancer, ZyriaB.

“I’m honored that so many talented people chose to participate in the Hope For Hearts Fundraiser this year,” said De La Cruz. “It’s been gratifying to share with others the important work the Foundation does and I know the results from this event will help many patients, as well as many of those suffering in the aftermath of the recent storm.”

In the days after Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast, De La Cruz quickly refocused the event to include support for those affected by the historic storm. She added, “We are so grateful for the support and hard work of so many people in making the Autumn Fundraiser a tremendous success. We would like to thank the co-hosts, our amazing event host committee, and silent auction donors for their time and generosity.”

De La Cruz also took the podium to offer the moving, personal story behind the formation of the non-profit and lead into the night’s guest speaker, Wendell Potter (pictured below), who was introduced by MSNBC analyst, Joy Ann Reid (pictured below).

Potter, a 20-year insurance industry veteran who became an outspoken critic of industry abuses during the national debate over health care reform. Potter shared his insight into the future of health care while offering the personal stories which motivated him to speak out and advocate for the uninsured and underinsured.

Adding to the excitement of the evening was a silent auction that featured a trip to Thailand, tickets to The Jimmy Fallon Show and other items graciously donated by supporters. Guests also had an opportunity to pick up raffle prizes and gift bag items from numerous supporting organizations such as: Exhale Spa, Glow Jobs, Saks Fifth Avenue, Brio Restaurant, Johnny Utah’s, Kings Cross, Whitman’s, Empanada Mama, Judith Ripka, Chanel, Sweeping Beauty, Intermix, Sports Club LA, House of Jai, Pop Chips, Suga Tooth, Birch Coffee, Head Massage, Dr. Harvey Jay, and Porsche Design.

“On behalf of the Foundation and the heart transplant community, as well as the American Red Cross, I would like to thank the individual attendees, corporate sponsors and hard-working volunteers for their generosity,” stated De La Cruz. Sponsors included: Bagatelle, Brio NYC, Ciroc, Glow Jobs, Porsche Design, Saks Fifth Avenue, Steinway & Sons, Todd English’s Olives, and Veev Vita Frute.

About the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation

The Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance, educational resources and advocacy for heart transplant patients. Founded by TV journalist Veronica De La Cruz in honor of her brother Eric, the Foundation exists to fulfill his wish that no heart transplant patient would ever again have to suffer because of a lack of insurance or the inability to pay for life-saving medical treatment.

If you would like to learn more about the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation, please visit the organization’s website at www.hopeforheartsfoundation.org.

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For more information, contact Amy Rosi at Aros Communications at arosi@aroscommunications.com.

For a PDF version of this press release, please click here.

Noted whistleblower and outspoken reform advocate to deliver keynote address at charity event in New York City on November 9th

NEW YORK, NY – November 7, 2012 – Former CIGNA insurance executive Wendell Potter, who railed against insurance abuses amid the national discourse on healthcare reform, will be a keynote speaker at the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation’s upcoming Autumn Fundraiser at SoHo’s Porsche Design on Friday, November 9. A portion of all ticket sales for the event will be donated to the American Red Cross to aid victims of Hurricane Sandy.

After a 20-year career as a corporate public relations executive, Potter left his job as head of communications for one of the nation’s largest health insurers and became a vocal critic of insurance company abuses. Now an advocate of removing publicly held, for-profit insurers from the health care industry, he will share his experience and hope for the future before the event’s audience of local philanthropists, healthcare supporters and community leaders.

“Wendell has played such an vital role in supporting positive change in access to affordable healthcare,” stated Hope For Hearts founder Veronica De La Cruz. “Giving him an opportunity to share his perspective with our attendees was an opportunity too good – too important – for us to pass up. He offers such a critical point-of-view on a topic that affects so many of the people who the Foundation is trying to help.”

As the Foundation’s major fundraising event of the year, the Autumn Fundraiser will featuring a cocktail hour, followed by a buffet dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction. Items scheduled to be auctioned off include a one-week stay at a Thailand resort and anchor-led tours of NBC studios. Hope For Hearts has also partnered with the Red Cross to help those affected by the recent storm and will be donating a portion of every ticket sold to their relief fund. Doors to the event will open at 7:00 pm.

Potter, author of “Deadly Spin: An Insurance Company Insider Speaks Out on How Corporate PR Is Killing Health Care and Deceiving Americans,” has defended healthcare reform laws, suggesting that the repeal of the Affordable Health Care Act would bankrupt the government and millions of Americans. He is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer, and also is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post.

Tickets for Hope For Hearts’ Autumn Fundraiser are available for $175 to $250 through the official event webpage at http://hopeforheartsfoundation.eventbrite.com.

About the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation

The Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance, educational resources and advocacy for heart transplant patients. Founded by TV journalist Veronica De La Cruz in honor of her brother Eric, the Foundation exists to fulfill his wish that no heart transplant patient would ever again have to suffer because of a lack of insurance or the inability to pay for life-saving medical treatment.

If you would like to learn more about the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation, please visit the organization’s website at www.hopeforheartsfoundation.org.

For a PDF of this release, click here.

Acclaimed opera singer & award-winning singer-songwriter headline entertainment for Latin-themed fundraiser at SoHo’s Porsche Design

NEW YORK, NY – November 5, 2012 – The Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation announced today that acclaimed operatic soprano Alyson Cambridge and Cuban roots recording artist Jose Conde will both be performing at the organization’s upcoming Autumn Fundraiser at SoHo’s Porsche Design on Friday, November 9.  A portion of the ticket sales for the event will go to the American Red Cross to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

“We are so fortunate to have both Alyson and Jose join us at this special event,” noted Hope For Hearts founder Veronica De La Cruz. “Their musical talents are incredible and their generosity in sharing their exceptional gifts with our guests will help make this a memorable evening.”

Set to a Latin-theme, the Hope For Hearts Autumn Gala is the Foundation’s major fundraising event of the year, featuring a cocktail hour, followed by a buffet dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction. Noted health care advocate and former insurance industry executive Wendell Potter will also keynote the event, and items scheduled to be auctioned off at the event range from a one-week stay at a Thailand resort to anchor-led tours of NBC studios. Recent heart transplant recipient Colby Salerno, whom the Foundation has supported throughout his ordeal, will also be on hand to address attendees. Doors will open at 7:00 pm.

Alyson Cambridge will be kicking off the event by performing Spanish arias befitting the Latin-themed evening. Cambridge has been hailed by critics as “radiant, vocally assured, dramatically subtle and compelling, and artistically imaginative.” Her rich, warm soprano combined with her strikingly beautiful stage presence and her affecting musical and dramatic interpretation have brought her success on the opera stages of leading theatres in the United States as well as recent debuts in Paris, Berlin, Vienna and other musical capitals around Europe and Asia. Her lyric soprano repertoire includes the roles of Mimi, Violetta, Donna Elvira, Marguerite, Liu, Micaela, amongst others, as well as forays into the crossover repertoire.

Breaking far and away from the “Latin” stereotype, Jose Conde has made 3 exciting and different, very widely acclaimed albums that are globally eclectic, lyrically eccentric, and unpredictable. As a songwriter and bandleader for his big band Ola Fresca, Conde developed a striking instinct for merging his Miami upbringing, Cuban roots, and New York’s Latin underground. With diverse influences and colors from South Africa to Brazil to Peru, Conde favors rootsy rhythms and humor undeniably and soulfully Cuban. The NY Post has called him, “One of New York’s most important Afro-Cuban voices.”

“Both Alyson and Jose bring a truly global flavor to the event through their musical styles,” added De La Cruz. “I cannot imagine two better talents to complement our efforts at the fundraiser and I know those who are lucky enough to join us will be amazed by their performances.”

Tickets for Hope For Hearts’ First Autumn Fundraiser are available for $100 to $250 through the official event webpage at http://www.hopeforheartsfoundation.org/wordpress1/gala or by clicking on the banner to the left of this post. The Foundation will donate a portion of all ticket sales to the American Red Cross to help support those who have been affected  by the recent storm.

About the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation

The Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance, educational resources and advocacy for heart transplant patients. Founded by TV journalist Veronica De La Cruz in honor of her brother Eric, the Foundation exists to fulfill his wish that no heart transplant patient would ever again have to suffer because of a lack of insurance or the inability to pay for life-saving medical treatment.

For a PDF version of this press release, please click here.

For more information or media requests, please contact Amy Rosi, Aros Communications at arosi@aroscommunications.com.

Foundation for transplant patients to donate a portion of ticket sales to hurricane relief fund at annual charity event

NEW YORK, NY – October 31, 2012 – The Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation announced today it will be donating a portion of every ticket sold for its upcoming Autumn Fundraiser to the local chapter of the American Red Cross for its hurricane relief fund, to assist those recently affected by Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath.

“I live in downtown Manhattan and am shocked at how badly parts of my neighborhood – as well as many others up and down the east coast – have been affected by Hurricane Sandy,” stated Hope For Hearts founder Veronica De La Cruz. “There are many people in the region who’ve been greatly impacted by this storm and are in need of immediate assistance. What I know is that New Yorkers are resilient people who stick together in a time of need and I believe it’s up to each one of us to do our part. Even though Hope for Hearts works primarily with heart transplant patients, the community has consistently demonstrated their humanity by supporting our efforts for our patients and the least we can do right now is give back.  I am proud to do whatever I can to help in the recovery efforts so we can, once again, stand strong as the community I know, love and am so grateful to be a part of.

“The Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation strives to do its best when it comes to helping others,” added De La Cruz. “We are proud to do what we can by donating a portion of the proceeds from our Autumn Gala to those affected by the storms.”

Scheduled for Friday, November 9th at SoHo’s Porsche Design, the Hope For Hearts Autumn Fundraiser is the largest annual event for the Foundation, whose mission is to provide financial assistance to heart transplant patients and their families who cannot meet the costs of a second chance at life. The Foundation was established in 2010 by television journalist Veronica De La Cruz, whose brother Eric died while awaiting a heart transplant that had been delayed by insurance denials.

In fact, the Foundation’s Autumn Fundraiser will be held downtown, in one of Lower Manhattan’s affected areas. Promising to be the organization’s most highly attended event of the year, the Autumn Fundraiser will feature a cocktail hour, followed by a buffet dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction. Items scheduled to be auctioned off include a one-week stay at a Thailand resort and anchor-led tours of NBC studios. Guest speakers include healthcare advocate Wendell Potter and heart transplant recipient Colby Salerno. Doors to the event will open at 7:00 pm.

Tickets for Hope For Hearts’ First Autumn Fundraiser are available for $100 to $250 through the official event webpage at http://www.hopeforheartsfoundation.org/wordpress1/gala.

About the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation
The Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance, educational resources and advocacy for heart transplant patients. Founded by TV journalist Veronica De La Cruz in honor of her brother Eric, the Foundation exists to fulfill his wish that no heart transplant patient would ever again have to suffer because of a lack of insurance or the inability to pay for life-saving medical treatment. If you would like to learn more about the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation, please visit the organization’s website at www.hopeforheartsfoundation.org.

About The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Currently, you can help by donating blood or by volunteering at a shelter for those suffering from the storm’s aftermath.  To learn how to volunteer with The American Red Cross in New York, please visit www.nyredcross.org/?nd=news_room_detail&news_id=606&jid=63321. You may also make a financial gift by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

For a PDF of this release, please click here.

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media requests: arosi@aroscommunications.com

this article now

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 22, 2012 – The 1st Annual Hope for Hearts Foundation Autumn Gala will be held on Friday, November 9, at Porsche Design in SoHo. A roster of guests from the celebrity, music and media worlds are expected to support the Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation, established by TV journalist and MSNBC anchor, Veronica De La Cruz., in honor of her brother Eric. De La Cruz founded the organization in 2010 after Eric died while awaiting a heart transplant the prior year. Hope for Hearts’ mission is to provide financial assistance, educational resources and advocacy for heart transplant patients and their families.

“This first gala is a fantastic opportunity for all of our supporters to have a memorable evening, learn more about our activities, and find out how they can get more involved,” said De La Cruz. “We look forward to a sold‐out event and are grateful to all of our event sponsors who are helping make this a reality.”

The flagship Porsche Design store at 465 West Broadway will be transformed for the gala into an elegant salon with a Spanish theme. Co‐hosted by Veronica De La Cruz and Comedy Central’s “Axis of Evil” co‐star, Dean Obeidallah, the event will also include guest speakers including recent heart transplant recipient Colby Salerno, whom the Foundation has supported. Noted health care advocate and former insurance industry executive, Wendell Potter, will keynote the event.

The festivities begin at 7 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by a buffet dinner featuring dishes from celebrity chefs, and concluding with live entertainment and a silent auction. Items scheduled to be auctioned off at the event range from a one‐week stay at a Thailand resort to anchor‐led tours of NBC studios. Tickets for the Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation Autumn Gala are now available from $175‐$250, and sponsorship opportunities starting with Patrons of Hope at $2,000 and Angel Sponsors for $5,000 are listed on the official event webpage at http://www.hopeforeatsfoundation.org/wordpress1/gala.

About the Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation

The Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non‐profit organization that provides financial assistance, educational resources and advocacy for heart transplant patients, Founded by TV journalist Veronica De La Cruz in honor of her brother Eric, the Foundation exists to fulfill his wish that no heart transplant patient would ever again have suffer because of a lack of insurance of the inability to pay for life‐saving medical treatment.

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Interview and photo opportunities by request.
Contact:   Amy Rosi, Aros Communications, arosi@aroscommunications.com
For a PDF of this press release, click here. 

The Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation today wishes a very happy birthday to Las Vegas resident and heart patient Sean Semon.

Sean, who turns 36 today, was diagnosed in 2005 with cardiomyopathy after a virus attacked his heart. Finding himself unable to breathe well, doctors ultimately decided the to implant a defibrillator. However, the surgeon operating on him decided that Sean, who was only 28 at the time, was too young for the procedure and instead chose to treat his illness with medications. Now, after having a defibrillator implanted and undergoing various treatments, doctors have told Sean a heart transplant is now critical to his survival.

The Foundation has support Sean and his family as they raise the approximately $150,000 necessary to prove he can pay the out-of-pocket expenses for a heart transplant procedure. A former semi-pro football player, Sean hopes to receive the transplant that will allow him to once again live a healthy, active lifestyle. But your help is needed to ensure Sean and his family receive a second chance at life.

Among Sean’s goals are establishing a nonprofit camp for children with heart problems and helping kids with heart problems once again run and play with others.

To make a donation in his honor of Sean’s birthday, please click the DONATE button above or contact us today. You may also visit Sean’s fundraising page at the National Foundation for Transplants by clicking here.

NEW YORK, NY –

The Hope For Hearts Autumn Gala is the Foundation’s major fundraising event of the year, featuring a cocktail hour, followed by a buffet dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction. Noted health care advocate and former insurance industry executive Wendell Potter will keynote the event, and items scheduled to be auctioned off at the event range from a one-week stay at a Thailand resort to anchor-led tours of NBC studios. Recent heart transplant recipient Colby Salerno, whom the Foundation has supported throughout his ordeal, will also be on hand to address attendees. Doors will open at 7:00 pm.

“We are so excited and honored to have Dean Obeidallah co-host the event tihis year,” said Hope For Hearts founder and MSNBC anchor Veronica De La Cruz. “Dean is an incredible comedian and entertainer and we’re happy to bring his talent to delight our audience of supporters.”

Obeidallah has co-starred in Comedy Central’s “Axis of Evil” special and has been seen on ABC’s “The View,” “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen,” MSNBC’s “Up with Chris Hayes,” CNN, and is co-directing the upcoming comedy documentary “The Muslims Are Coming!”

As the Gala’s co-host – along with De La Cruz – Obeidallah will help outline the event’s agenda, introduce special guests and speakers, and provide the opening and closing remarks of the event.

Dean is the co-creator and co-producer of the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival which will hold its 9th annual Festival in October 2012. He also serves as the Executive Director of The Amman Stand up Comedy Festival – the first stand up comedy festival ever held in the Middle East.

“Dean is a great partner to join us at this year’s Hope For Hearts Gala. As an award-winning comedian active in the New York entertainment, cultural and social scenes, Dean will be offer new perspective and humor for all organizations and individuals attending,” explained De La Cruz.

Tickets for the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation Autumn Gala are now available and sponsorship opportunities are listed on the official event webpage at http://www.hopeforheartsfoundation.org/wordpress1/gala.

About the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation

The Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance, educational resources and advocacy for heart transplant patients. Founded by TV journalist Veronica De La Cruz in honor of her brother Eric, the Foundation exists to fulfill his wish that no heart transplant patient would ever again have to suffer because of a lack of insurance or the inability to pay for life-saving medical treatment.

If you would like to learn more about the Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation, please visit the organization’s website at www.hopeforheartsfoundation.org.

For media inquiries, contact Amy Rosi, Aros Communications at arosi@aroscommunications.com.

NEW YORK, NY – September 22, 2012 (updated) – The Eric De La Cruz Hope For Hearts Foundation announced that it has rescheduled its first annual fundraising event, “The 2012 Autumn Gala” to Friday, November 9th, 2012. The new date will accommodate the finalization of event details and even greater participation by more sponsors and guests.

Veronica De La Cruz, Founder of Hope For Hearts and host of the event, noted, “This new date will help us ensure an incredible night is had by all and that the most possible funds are raised for those in need.  All of the proceeds from our fundraising efforts go to support patients and families facing the financial challenges that come with heart transplants.  We’re are looking forward to this event more eagerly than ever and hope that the new date allows even more people to get involved and attend.”

The event will include a cocktail hour, followed by a buffet dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction. Items scheduled to be auctioned off at the event range from a one-week stay at a Thailand resort to anchor-led tours of NBC studios. Heart transplant recipient Colby Salerno, whom the Foundation has supported throughout his ordeal, may also be on hand to address attendees. More event details will be released in coming weeks.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for all of our supporters to have a memorable evening, learn more about our activities, and find out how they can get more involved,” said De La Cruz. “We look forward to a sold-out event and are grateful to all of our event sponsors who are helping make this a reality,” Ms. De La Cruz continued.

The Eric De La Cruz Hope for Hearts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance, educational resources and advocacy for heart transplant patients. Founded by TV journalist Veronica De La Cruz in honor of her brother Eric, the Foundation exists to fulfill his wish that no heart transplant patient would ever again have to suffer because of a lack of insurance or the inability to pay for life-saving medical treatment.

Media Contact: Tashya Perera, tashya@hopeforheartsfoundation.org