ANNUAL BENEFIT EVENT.

Noche de Estrellas benefit is a celebration of GALA's dedication to artistic vision and commitment to youth education programs. This special evening also honors remarkable individuals in the arts, philanthropy, and community who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to enriching the Latino community and fostering cultural opportunities for young minds. The funds raised during our initiative will play a crucial role in bolstering GALA's Paso Nuevo youth education program. This program serves as a nurturing and creative space, empowering young individuals to explore their cultural identity while simultaneously honing their artistic and academic skills to pave the way for future success.

Noche de Estrellas 2026 will be held on Wednesday, May 20, from 6:30 to 10:30 pm, as follows:

Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction: Spanish Cultural Center (2801 16th St. NW, WDC 20009) and then the event moves next door for

Dinner Program & Dancing: Mexican Cultural Institute (2829 16th St. NW, WDC 20009)

Dress code: Black-tie attire encouraged.

2026 HONOREE.

Learn more about the 2026 Honoree here

EDWARD JAMES OLMOS

Award for Artistic Excellence

An internationally acclaimed actor, director, and activist, Edward James Olmos has redefined Latino representation in film, television, and theatre for more than four decades. His groundbreaking work has elevated Latino narratives onto the global stage while inspiring generations to embrace their cultural identity with pride and purpose.

TICKETS, SPONSORSHIP & DONATIONS.

$285 Individual ($195 is tax deductible); $500 Couple ($340 is tax deductible)

GET TICKETS

DONATE TO NOCHE DE ESTRELLAS

BECOME A SPONSOR

DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM

2026 AUCTION.

EVENT & AUCTION COMMITTEE

Cristina King Miranda | Bri Curi | Teri Gálvez | John Fitzgerald López

Liana Madrid | Ángela Manso | Art Moran | Syddia Lee Chee | Tracy Wood

With Heartfelt Thanks To Our Auction Donors

HONORARY HOST COMMITTEE.

Ambassador of Argentina to the U.S., His Excellency Alejandro Carlos "Alec" Oxenford

Ambassador of Chile to the U.S., His Excellency Juan Gabriel Valdés

Ambassador of Costa Rica to the U.S., Her Excellency Catalina Crespo-Sancho

Embassy of Cuba to the U.S., Chargé d’ Affaires Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera
Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the U.S., Her Excellency María Isabel Castillo Báez

Ambassador of Ecuador to the U.S., His Excellency Cristian Espinosa Cañizares

Ambassador of El Salvador to the U.S., Her Excellency Milena Mayorga

Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S., His Excellency Esteban Moctezuma Barragán

Ambassador of Peru to the U.S., His Excellency Alfredo Ferrero Diez Canseco

Ambassador of Spain to the U.S., Her Excellency Ángeles Moreno Bau
Ambassador of Uruguay to the U.S., His Excellency Daniel Castillos
Mayor of the District of Columbia, Honorable Muriel E. Bowser

Chair, City Council of the District of Columbia, Honorable Phil Mendelson

Amy Austin, Theatre Washington

Janet Farrell, M&T Bank, retired

Dorothy and Bill McSweeny, Arts Patrons