Latin actor and singer JenCarlos Canela, was so inspired by the group of at-risk young women who visited Telemundo last year that he composed a song, “Start Living Your Life” in their honor, and in a surprise for Women of Tomorrow supporters, performed it live during the organization’s sold-out 8TH Annual Gala held Saturday, March 21 at the Mandarin Oriental.
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“The crowd of was going crazy,” Jennifer Valoppi, Women of Tomorrow Founder said. “As mentors we are used to inspiring young women and now our mentees have inspired this artist. He’s such a talented performer and to have him write and sing this song was so heartfelt and so genuine, at a time when young stars are often anything by elegant. It was very memorable.”
Canela, who in addition to his recording career, stars in the Telemundo soap opera Pecados Ajenos, says he wrote the song after encountering a group of WOT mentees who were touring Telemundo’s studios as part of the program’s career-focused field trips and was amazed by their drive and willingness to overcome life’s challenges.
“I met this incredible group of young ladies from Women of Tomorrow and was inspired by their positive energy and brilliance to write this song because they reminded me that we all go through many challenges and we should find the inner strength to see life in an optimistic way no matter what," said Canela. "I have tremendous respect for them and what they have done.”
Despite the difficult economic climate, the event was sold out and one generous donor even threw in a surprise ride on his private plane to benefit the organization. That helped push total fundraising efforts to almost $3 Million Dollars for Women of Tomorrow, considered by many to be one of the nation’s most unique mentoring and scholarship programs for at-risk young women.
The Black & White-themed event Chaired by Marisa Toccin, honored Robyn Perlman as Mentor of the Year for her unique mentoring approach and years of outstanding service to the organization. Others honored during the gala for outstanding commitment included Honorary Chairmen Serena and Leon Simkins in honor of their Women of Tomorrow -- Daughters and Granddaughters, Humanitarian Chairs Swanee and Paul DeMare, Excellence Honorees Jorge Gonzalez and Leslie Lott , Legacy Builder Honoree Arlene Chaplin and Empowerment Award Honoree Dr. Krista Rosenberg.
Other guest included: Stan and Bobbi Berkman, Josh Woodward, Suzy Buckley, radio personality Footy, Mark and Alison Zhuk, Jason and Hailey Binn, Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz, Luis and Norma Quintero, Lola Jacobson, Lee Brian Schrager, Don and Katrina Peebles, Sam Getz and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
Women of Tomorrow was founded by television journalist Jennifer Valoppi and Telemundo Network President Don Browne in 1997. The organization currently mentors close to 2000 at-risk young women in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach public high schools, and each year provides scholarships to help enhance and enrich their lives through education. The program’s mentors include more than 250 of South Florida’s most accomplished professional women.
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