This past Friday evening, ABC’s Emmy award winning “Modern Family” child star Rico Rodriguez was honored at the 2nd annual St. Jude ‘Estrellas por la Vida’ (Stars for Life) gala for his continued support and dedication to helping children in the Los Angeles area as well as around the world.

The event, held at Club Nokia at LA Live, benefited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the nation’s top children’s cancer hospital. Nearly 250 guests enjoyed dinner and a silent auction, as well as live performances by renowned jazz trumpet master Arturo Sandoval; and rock-pop singer Gustavo Galindo. Actress Riani Rodriguez (PROM), Rico’s older sister, and director Tom Shadyac (Bruce Almighty) served as presenters during the event.

Rico was honored for his work as a young philanthropist and supporter of pediatric healthcare and the local community. At the end of last year, Rodriguez met St. Jude patient Carson (which we featured on HMB) and went on a fun holiday shopping spree for the kids of St. Jude. “St. Jude is a very special hospital and I am really honored to receive this award. Meeting St. Jude patients who are my age and battling cancer reminds me of who the true heroes are here tonight,” said Rodriguez.

ABOUT: St. Jude has made great discoveries in how to treat deadly childhood diseases like cancer, saving the lives of kids around the world. Doctors send some of their toughest cases and sickest patients to St. Jude. St. Jude relies primarily on the public’s generosity to support its lifesaving mission. It costs $1.6 million to operate the hospital every day and more than 70 percent of that funding comes from the public through events like ‘Estrellas por la Vida.’ Through its International Outreach Program (IOP), St. Jude also has partner clinics in 14 countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Ecuador, Chile and Brazil. The IOP aims to improve the survival rates of children with catastrophic illnesses worldwide, through the sharing of knowledge, technology and organizational skills. The Gala was sponsored by Adriana’s Insurance, Ace Beverage, American Airlines, AEG, Alaska Airlines, Avianca-Taca Airlines, Barcardi USA, Beringer Vineyards, Coca-Cola, FAMSA, Glendale Infiniti, Glendale Nissan, Iberoamericana Travel, Indie Printing, Luxe City Center Hotel Neutrogena, Tadin Herb & Tea Co., Tequila Don Pilar and Tropicana Las Vegas. Media sponsors included Univision Communications, Telemundo and Mun2.