Martin Received National Ceiba Award, Recognizing Deep Commitment to Uplifting the Puerto Rican People and Promoting Rich Art and Cultural Traditions
CHICAGO, Illinois (September 15, 2023) – The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture released photos and video from its 10th Raices Gala, where Lin-Manuel Miranda bestowed the National Ceiba Award on international superstar and philanthropist Ricky Martin in the Museum’s annual celebration of the rich heritage and contributions of the Puerto Rican community in the United States.
The Raices Gala, held Thursday September 14, 2023 at Chicago’s Galleria Marchetti, also presented National Ceiba Awards to the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, received by ICP Director Carlos Ruiz Cortez; and to the family of artist Rafael Tufiño, whose work can currently be seen at the Museum in its “Celebrating 100 Years of Rafael Tufiño” exhibition. The Three Kings Humanitarian Award was presented to Chicago Chefs Cook, represented by chefs Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe in Naperville, Tony Priolo of Piccolo Sogno, and James Beard-award winner Erick Williams of Virtue Restaurant, in recognition of the organization’s philanthropic work raising funds for relief efforts in Puerto Rico as well as in Ukraine, Tigray, and Maui.
Martin joins the impressive roster of Puerto Rican actors, authors, artists, and philanthropists who have received the National Ceiba Award in the past, including Rita Moreno, Jimmy Smits, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Antonio Martorell, and Lin-Manuel Miranda himself.
The annual Raices Gala is the largest fundraising event of the year for the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, with proceeds supporting the museum’s year-round mission to keep its exhibitions free and accessible to the public while promoting and preserving Puerto Rican art, culture, and history as well as furthering the museum’s humanitarian efforts in Puerto Rico.
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