Americares, the relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster, celebrated its 40th anniversary at the 2019 Americares Airlift Benefit at Westchester County Airport in New York. Guests included Jackie Cruz, Selenis Leyva, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Alex Lundqvist and more.

The evening began with a traditional Dominican Gaga Parade featuring dancers, musicians and stilt walkers. Guests then took their seats for dinner and the award ceremony honoring CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Dr. Gupta received the Bob and Leila Macauley Humanitarian Spirit Award, which honors outstanding individuals who advocate on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable. Actress and musician Jackie Cruz then performed the hit single, “Hija de Chavez” from her debut album. Finally, the party literally took off as guests boarded a flight to the Dominican Republic for a 24-hour journey to see Americares work—the work they support—firsthand.