<p><span class="xn-location"></span>Actors, models and sports stars will join an international gathering in <span class="xn-location">Ft. Lauderdale</span> <span class="xn-chron">Oct. 17</span> to honor five outstanding individuals from <span class="xn-location">Latin America</span> and the <span class="xn-location">Caribbean</span> who have improved the lives of the most disadvantaged people in their  communities, the Pan American Development Foundation announced. www.HeroesoftheHemisphere.org</p>
<p>Called <em>Heroes of the Hemisphere</em>, this second annual celebration will include the following VIP attendees:</p>
<ul class="circleStyle" type="circle">
<li><strong><span class="xn-person">Jimmy Jean-Louis</span></strong>, NBC's <em>Heroes </em>and PADF's Goodwill Ambassador</li>
<li><strong><span class="xn-person">Dania Ramirez</span></strong>, Cover Girl model and actress (NBC's <em>Heroes</em>, HBO's <em>Entourage </em>and currently filming <em>Premium Rush</em>) and Cover Girl Ambassador for the Clean Water Act Campaign</li>
<li><strong><span class="xn-person">Gabrielle Union</span></strong>, actress from the hit films <em>Bring It On</em>, <em>Bad Boys 2</em> and <em><span class="xn-person">Cadillac Records</span></em>, as well as Ambassador for <span class="xn-person">Susan G. Komen</span></li>
<li><strong><span class="xn-person">Maria Elvira Salazar</span>, </strong>winner of five Emmy Awards, host of Maria Elvira Live! on Mega TV and author</li>
<li><strong><span class="xn-person">Cliff Robinson</span></strong>,  retired NBA player who had an impressive career with the Portland  Trailblazers, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and  the New Jersey Nets</li>
<li><strong>Satcha Pretto Padilla</strong>, co-anchor on Univision's<em> Primer Impacto Fin de Semana</em>, will return to the event as the emcee</li>
</ul>
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<p>"We are excited that these talented professionals are able to join PADF in its celebration of the 2010 Heroes honorees," says <span class="xn-person">Amy Coughenour</span>,  PADF's deputy executive director. "They will greatly contribute to the  success of the celebration and increase awareness of PADF's successful  programs in the hemisphere."</p>
<p>In addition to these celebrities, Colombian singer/songwriter <em>Marre </em>will perform at the awards ceremony. Marre, whose album released by EMI includes singles such as <em>"<span class="xn-person">Cada Vez</span>"</em> and <em>"Mas y Mas,"</em> has appeared on stage in <span class="xn-location">Latin America</span> and <span class="xn-location">the United States</span>. www.MarreMusic.com</p>
<p>The singer (born <span class="xn-person">Maria del Rosario</span> but nicknamed <em>Marre </em>at a young age) comes to PADF through its relationship with MTV Latin America, a co-sponsor of the 2010 <em>Heroes of the Hemisphere</em> celebration. MTV Networks Latin America, US Hispanic &amp; <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:   VIA, VIA.B), owns and operates the company's portfolio of entertainment brands.</p>
<p>The non-profit Pan American Development Foundation's 2010 <em>Heroes of the Hemisphere </em>will take place on <span class="xn-chron">Sunday, Oct. 17</span>, on Celebrity Cruises' award-winning, stylish, 2,850-guest <em>Celebrity Solstice, </em>which will be docked in <span class="xn-location">Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.</span> Celebrity Cruises is hosting the event for 250 VIPs, including&nbsp; diplomats, executives, elected officials and donors. www.HeroesoftheHemisphere.com</p>
<p>The 2010 <em>Heroes of the Hemisphere</em>'s honorees are from <span class="xn-location">Colombia</span>, <span class="xn-location">Mexico</span>, the <span class="xn-location">Dominican Republic</span>, <span class="xn-location">Haiti</span> and <span class="xn-location">Brazil</span>.  PADF will present an award to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for its  efforts related to corporate social responsibility. In addition, PADF  and its guests will recognize the efforts of everyone who helped <span class="xn-location">Haiti</span> after the devastating <span class="xn-chron">Jan. 12</span> earthquake, the worst natural disaster in the history of the Western  Hemisphere. More than 230,000 people died and in excess of 1.2 million  are living in displacement camps. For more information, please visit: www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org</p>
<p>Supporters of the 2010 <em>Heroes of the Hemisphere</em> include: Chevron; Caterpillar; Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.; the  Private Sector of the Americas; Greenberg Traurig; United Way;  Univision; IMCA; Merck; MTV; and Interlex.</p>
<p><strong>About Celebrity Cruises </strong></p>
<p>Celebrity  Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated  environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard  programs, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising,  Celebrity sails in <span class="xn-location">Alaska</span>, <span class="xn-location">Australia</span>/<span class="xn-location">New Zealand</span>, <span class="xn-location">Bermuda</span>, <span class="xn-location">California</span>, <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>/New England, <span class="xn-location">Europe</span>, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, <span class="xn-location">South America</span>, and year-round in the <span class="xn-location">Caribbean</span> and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity's fleet currently consists of 10 ships.&nbsp; www.celebritycruises.com</p>
<p><strong>About PADF</strong></p>
<p>PADF is  a non-profit, non-governmental organization that focuses on sustainable  economic development, strengthening civil society and responding to  natural disasters in the Western Hemisphere.&nbsp; In 2009 it had more than  5.6 million beneficiaries in 18 countries.</p>
<p>PADF is based in <span class="xn-location">Washington, D.C.</span>, and has field offices in <span class="xn-location">Colombia</span>, <span class="xn-location">Haiti</span> and elsewhere. The non-profit's largest field operation is in <span class="xn-location">Colombia</span>, where it is working on alternate development, internally displaced persons and other projects. www.padf.org</p>
<p>In <span class="xn-location">Haiti</span>, the Foundation is one of the largest non-governmental organizations on the island. With nearly three decades of work in <span class="xn-location">Haiti</span>, PADF now manages a large portfolio of activities ranging from community-driven development to protecting human rights. www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org</p>