*****MEDIA RELEASE***** EL Morocco Theater & Night Club celebrates the Launch of "El Morocco Cares," an effort to help raise funds for The Latino Commission on AIDS with a "Vegas" styled Grand Opening. On Wednesday, June 4th the new El Morocco Theater & Nightclub, located at 145th Street and Broadway, New York City celebrated its official grand opening. It was an evening is dedicated to the Latino Commission on AIDS with on-site casino style fund-raising, special performances by Anais, Son Cafe with Ralph Irizarry, Tha Heights and more. Courtesy of Jerritt Clark: Executive Director of Operations Debbie Medina, EL Morocco Owner William Hackett, BET's  Rocsi, EL Morocco owner Michelle Rodriguez. Guest appearances by BET's 106 & Park host Rocsi, singers Anais, Jose Albert "El Canario", La Mega's El Vacilon de la Manana, Bachata Asurr, salsa diva Choco Orta, La Mega's DJ Alex Sensation, Welterweight NABF Champion Francisco "El Gato" Figueroa, Z100's Gumba Johnny and many more. Courtesy of Jerritt Clark: Welterweight NABF Champion Francisco "El Gato" Figueroa The vivacious venue celebrated its reincarnation with a Vegas style, grand opening extravaganza, hosted by actress April Lee Hernandez. Courtesy of Jerritt Clark: Host Actress April Lee Hernandez Decades ago, the legendary El Morocco attracted the high society, political diplomats and a wide array of iconic Hollywood names, such as the famous Dominican diplomat, polo player, race driver and notorious playboy, Porfirio Rubirosa, who dallied with beautiful women such as Dolores del Rio, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Eva Peron and tobacco heiress Doris Duke, among others. Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth also frequented the club and, in 1950, actor Humphrey Bogart was banned for life. El Morocco was the first club in the world to use a velvet rope and has since eternally set the standard for a VIP experience. In addition, Tito Puente recorded his live Cha Cha Cha album at the El Morocco in 1958 with his world famous orchestra. Courtesy of Jerritt Clark: Owners Michelle Rodriguez & William Hackett, Executive Director of Operations Debbie Medina, Anais, Dennis de Leon President of Latino Commission on AIDS, Vice-President Guillermo Chacón, Today, the club has been re-created through thoughtfully crafted decor and savvy entrepreneurship. Latino powerhouses like actress and comedian Kiki Melendez, comedians Joey Vega and Ruperto Vanderpool, singers Anais, Notch, Kerubanda, Oro Solido, Sexappeal, Frankie Morales, El Jeffrey, El Chaval de la Bachata, Orquesta  La  Excelencia, and Miriam Cruz y sus Chicas as well as Latin legends Jonny Ventura, Raulin Rosendo, Los Hermanos Rosario, Tito Rojas, Oscar D'Leon, and Jose Alberto "El  Canario", have already graced the stage during previews at the new El Morocco. The new venue captures the spirit of the original El Morocco Nightclub with the same exquisite hand crafted palm trees and the now infamous zebra stripe motif. The new El Morocco will continue to evoke the glamour. "We have created a haven for Latino culture, art and entertainment seekers to enjoy," said Debbie Medina, the Executive Director of Operations for El Morocco Theater & Nightclub. In addition to the elegant and classy Main Room, the venue also houses the chic "Leopard Lounge," which played host to a silent auction. Courtesy of Jerritt Clark "For us, this exciting grand opening of the legendary El Morocco is even more moving due to the fact that the first charity that we adopt is the Latino Commission on AIDS something that is very close to my heart. We hope to continue helping raise awareness for this worthy cause," said Michelle Rodriguez, owner of El Morocco Theater & Nightclub.    Courtesy of Jerritt Clark Emerging Latina fashion entrepreneur, Albania, who is the exclusive designer of the El Morocco's staff and shows, created the Vegas show girl costumes that filled the club. Alluring performances by renowned samba, salsa and belly dancers helped to create the "Viva Las Vegas" mood. Tropical food from Mamajuana Café circulated the party and gave revelers a taste of the renowned restaurant located in Washington Heights. Latin idol Anais, salsa diva Choco Orta, up-and-coming urban artists 555 aka Lucky and the R&B singing group Tha Heights, among others took the stage and wowed the audience. Courtesy of Jerritt Clark: Salsa diva Choco Orta, Debbie Medina, Dennis deLeon President of Latino Commission on AIDS, Vice-President Guillermo Chacón. The Latino Commission on AIDS is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community. "El Morocco promises to do our part in the fight against AIDS. We will utilize our events to help raise awareness about this disease that continues to affect our community. We are honored to share this special night with the Latino Commission on AIDS," added Debbie Medina. "Debbie Medina has been one of our biggest supporters. It's an honor to be the first beneficiary of her new enterprise. With El Morocco's support we can continue to serve more people," said Dennis de Leon, President of The Latino Commission on AIDS. "AIDS used to be very visible when it first landed in the white communities. When it shifted to the Black and Latino communities, people started seeing it as a problem and not a disease," added de Leon.    Courtesy of Jerritt Clark: Designer Albania & her showgirls Poet/Activist La Bruja poses with showgirls In all, the exciting Vegas styled celebration and all of its volunteers from the evening helped to raise more than $15,000 for the Latino Commission on AIDS, and promises to continue to keep the message of prevention and awareness alive throughout each day of operation. Courtesy of Jerritt Clark: El Morocco Presents donation check to The Latino Commission on AIDS. El Morocco is a pioneer in its revitalization of the Hamilton Heights neighborhood, and you can be sure it will once again rule the Manhattan night scene. What happens at El Morocco stays at El Morocco and will stay with you forever. Viva El Morocco! MEDIA CONTACT RACHEL DI SALVO 718.709.6814 RACHEL@SOCIALBUTTERFLIESATWORK.COM