Eva Longoria And Lin-Manuel Miranda To Receive Highest Honor At CHCI Awards

By Sugey Palomares

"Celebrating History, Heritage and the American Dream" is the festive theme of this year's Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's (CHCI) Awards, which recently announced Eva Longoria, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and jazz legend Arturo Sandoval as their 2010 highest honored recipients.

The celebrity philanthropists are set to receive the 2010 Medallion of Excellence for Leadership and Community Service during the 33rd Annual Awards Gala being held on September 15 in Washington, D.C.

The actress who plays Gabrielle Solis on the hit ABC series "Desperate Housewives" may be known for her greedy and egotistical ways on-screen, but en la vida real Longoria is a highly respected activist. In 2006, Eva founded Eva's Heroes, an organization committed to helping disabled children find the support they need to live a quality-driven life. As the national spokesperson for Padres Contra el Cancer, Eva also promotes the nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding Latino children and families affected by cancer.

The Chicana isn't just keeping her passion for change behind-the-scenes. She is currently producing her first documentary film titled "Harvest," which reveals the truth behind child farm workers in the U.S.

If that isn't impressive enough, then check out Lin-Manuel's charitable roster. Since becoming a Grammy and Tony Award-winning composer for his groundbreaking work for "In The Heights," Lin-Manuel Miranda has joined the Just Ask The Locals campaign, encouraging tourists and city folks alike to visit upper-Manhattan neighborhoods.

Miranda has also supported the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, and The Woodhull Medical Center's Latina Suicide Prevention Program including a few other charity organizations.

The stars had this to say about their CHCI nominations:

Eva Longoria: "I am humbled to receive this award from CHCI that places me among a distinguished list of past honorees that have been acknowledged for their leadership in improving our community and our society as a whole. My philanthropy is very important to me, and I will continue to support essential causes that need my voice."

Lin-Manuel Miranda: "I am sincerely grateful to be honored by Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, an organization that helps young Latinos achieve their dreams. As our community increasingly gains power and influence, we must continue to give back and seek to inspire the next generation of Latino leadership."

Since the awards are presented in September, we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

Source: [PR Newswire]

Who are your favorite celebrity philanthropists? What issues matter to you? Leave your comments below or @MTV3!

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Eva Longoria, Latin Music, Latinos, Lin-Manuel Miranda, MTV, Musica Latina, Tr3s, Tres