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Trailblazing comes naturally to Daisy Fuentes. The Cuban-born, New Jersey-raised stunner was MTV's first Latina VJ, Revlon's first Latina spokesmodel, and one of the first celebrities to parlay her on-air popularity into a fashion empire. (Launched in 2004, her Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's line now rakes in approximately $300 million in sales annually.) These days you can also catch Fuentes as a cohost of Telemundo's La Voz Kids.
But despite all her accomplishments, Fuentes prioritizes her charitable work. For nearly 20 years, she's used her own voz to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the hospital and research center in Memphis that is funded by individual donors and that treats children with life-threatening diseases—for free. An impromptu visit in 1997 inspired Fuentes to create the FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala in Miami, an annual fund-raising bash that has become a must on the Miami social calendar and has raised more than $4 million for the hospital. "I consider my voice to be a privilege," says Fuentes. "So I will continue to spread the word about this mission."
Un Abrazo Fuentes with St. Jude patient Stephan, then 16, at the FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala in 2011
__GLAM BELLEZA LATINA:__You've been involved with St. Jude for many years. Do you remember your first visit?
__DAISY FUENTES:__Absolutely. I'd been invited to the hospital, and I'm glad I went. It was beautiful to hear families tell stories of how their children had survived after being given a death sentence. At that moment I vowed to do whatever possible to get others involved.
__GBL:__What made you decide to take such a hands-on approach?
__DF:__I was raised to believe that giving back is a necessity. St. Jude organized fund-raising events in Miami but never a glamorous gala, and I knew the community would welcome that. The first year fewer than 200 guests were there; today more than 600 people attend.
__GBL:__Have you bonded with St. Jude patients over the years?
__DF:__Of course! I remember meeting a young girl, Jessica, who had lost her hair to chemotherapy and wore a little hankie over her head. Years later she sent me a graduation picture, and she was this stunning young woman. I got so emotional. And recently, during a trip to the hospital, I reconnected with a young man, Marko, whose face I instantly recognized. He'd been a patient as a boy, and there he was!
Inspired yet? Here, Fuentes' tips on how you can give back this season and beyond.
- Foster a Rescue Dog
"Often, kill shelters will euthanize perfectly healthy dogs that they have no space for. By fostering a dog, you help save its life. I work with Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue." Visit aceofheartsdogs.com.
- Help a Friend in Need
"Giving back can be as simple as reaching out to someone who has fallen on hard times." Babysitting for an overworked mom or filling a friend's fridge with groceries can make a big difference.
- Donate to a Toy Drive
"It's a great way to get involved and help [needy children]." Visit donationtown.org, enter your zip code, and search the charities in your area that accept new and gently used donations.
- Shop at stjude.org
"This year I designed a stack of metallic and-rope bracelets [below] with a bohemian feel. I want those who wear it to have really positive vibes about love and hope." The bracelet has already sold out but visit the St. Jude gift shop to check out their assortment of cute gifts. Best yet? All proceeds benefit the hospital.
