26th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards: Lucero Receives Vision Award For Her Work Supporting Disabled Children [WINNERS LIST]

Having sold more than 27 million albums and starred in nine top-rated soap operas, Lucero is one of the most recognized performers in Latin America. Throughout her 33-year performance career, she has been honored with hundreds of international awards. In 2006, she was the first Latin actress to win an Emmy for her success in the U.S. Hispanic soap opera "Alborada." But her most important work of all has been the one she's done supporting children through one of Latin America's most significant charities, "Teletón Mexico."

For 15 years, Lucero has hosted the telethon and served as the organization's official ambassador, raising millions of dollars each year for children with disabilities to provide education about disabilities and send a strong message of respect and equality. That's why, this year the Hershey Company presented the Vision Award to the singer/actress/philanthropist at the 26th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards (HHAs).

"I'm very happy that my work is being recognized with this award. However, the recognition that I love the most is the applause from the fans, their love, support and the trust that we've built throughout the years," expressed Lucero in the Mexican morning show, "Hoy."

She added, in a press release, "It's an honor to receive the Vision Award from Hershey, a company that shares my dedication to children in need. Every child deserves the chance to lead a happy, productive life and it's wonderful that Hershey recognizes and celebrates my belief in the power of helping children."

"We applaud Lucero's outstanding career and her passionate support of children in Latin America," said Bert Alfonso, president of international at The Hershey Company. "Hershey is dedicated to the Latino community and children's education worldwide. We share and celebrate the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's mission to identify, inspire, prepare and position Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce."

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation presented the awards Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., but the award show will be broadcast Sept. 15 on MundoFox.

Other honorees include actress Eva Longoria, who was honored with a community service award; chef José Andres, winning the design award; actor and director Diego Luna, taking home the Inspira Award; musical group Los Tigres Del Norte, given the Legend Award; Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho; Voto Latino President Maria Teresa Kumar; and race car driver Juan Pablo Montoya. The nonprofit National Math and Science Initiative was also honored.