The Mi Amor Graciousness (MAG) Gala, in support of survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The Luisa Diaz Foundation, founded in 2020 hosted its annual event which returned to New York for its Ninth anniversary at the iconic Plaza Hotel with an evening of compassion-meets-fashion and the “Runway of Hope.” Funds from the 2023 event benefited three charities: Safe Passage Heals, Hope’s Door and Team TLC NYC and raised awareness of the importance of the work of the Luisa Diaz Foundation.
Ernie Anastos, Luisa Diaz and Alan Brown attend Luisa Diaz Foundation 9th Annual MAG Gala on May 18, 2023. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/PMC/PMC)
Survivors of domestic violence who have completed the program to break the vicious cycle of domestic abuse walked in the MAG Gala’s empowerment fashion show, dressed by designers Jovani, Anne Fontaine and Chiara Boni. The walk on the runway signifies the transition from a place of darkness to one of hope and light.
This year’s celebration also included an official proclamation from New York City declaring May 18 as “Kindness is Cool Day” from that day forth.
Luisa Diaz, Alisa Roever and guests attend Luisa Diaz Foundation 9th Annual MAG Gala at The Plaza on May 18, 2023 in New York. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/PMC/PMC)
Notable Attendees included: Luisa Diaz, Ernie Anastos, Johnny Drinks, Seth Herzog, Jean Shafiroff, Deborah Hung, Nikki Haskell, Alan Brown, Noreen Donovan, Jose, Carmen, Tina Radziwill, Carmen D’Alessio, Maria Elena Christensen, Valerie Vazquez, James Brynes, Noreen Donovan, Bryan Griffin, Sofie Mahlkvist, Nadja Sayej, Sarah Prendes, Joan Jodell
Luisa Diaz and Valerie Vazquez attend Luisa Diaz Foundation 9th Annual MAG Gala at The Plaza on May 18, 2023 in New York. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/PMC/PMC)
Hall of Fame broadcaster, WABC radio and “Positively America” host Ernie Anastos served as the evening’s host. Influencer Johnny Drinks was live streaming and served up the “Kindness is Cool” martini. Seth Herzog, resident comedian, and sketch performer with The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, presided over a live auction. The evening’s entertainment will include an electrifying performance by Sarina the Violin Diva and DJ Show N Tell.
Nikki Haskell and Luisa Diaz attend Luisa Diaz Foundation 9th Annual MAG Gala at The Plaza on May 18, 2023 in New York. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/PMC/PMC)
Jean Shafiroff attends Luisa Diaz Foundation 9th Annual MAG Gala at The Plaza on May 18, 2023 in New York. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/PMC/PMC)
Trish Steele attends Luisa Diaz Foundation 9th Annual MAG Gala at The Plaza on May 18, 2023 in New York. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/PMC)
About The Luisa Diaz Foundation
Founded by Luisa Diaz, the Luisa Diaz Foundation (LDF, 501c3) supports organizations and individuals who are making a direct impact in helping people and their communities through acts of kindness. Luisa developed and produced the “MAG Gala,” which is a “celebration of kindness” with annual events in Los Angeles and New York. These events raised money and awareness for individuals and organizations such as “Safe Passage” to support survivors of domestic violence and their families. Luisa worked directly with the survivors in coaching and helping them build their self-esteem to walk the “Runway of Hope” (Walking Towards the Light).
Executive director and former Ms. Venezuela International Luisa Diaz founded the Luisa Diaz Foundation in honor of her beloved grandmother to raise funds and awareness for individuals and organizations who support survivors of domestic violence and their families.
For more information, please visit: www.luisadiazfoundation.org