Valeria and Michael Ruggieri of RioBela Productions

Valeria Ruggieri

For the last 7 years, Valeria has worked very hard in to raise the level of SambaLa's to higher ground and has truly succeeded.

Valeria started out at SambaLa as a dancer quickly working her way up the organization from dancer to dance instructor to choreographer to Vice-President. She was the Rainha da Bateria for numerous years finally achieving the highest honor as a dancer in the samba school: madrinha, a position she currently holds.

Along with her charitable and artistic participation with SambaLa, a number of years ago Valeria started her own event production company having been certified in event production from Cal State at Dominguez Hills. Since the, her RioBela Productions company (www.riobela.com) has produced many shows including co-producing the biggest and most successful events with SambaLa including the Rio-Joes Carnaval Ball at the Vault 350, the Brazilian Street Carnaval for many years, and the most recent party: New Year's on Pine Avenue at the Rhythm Lounge. She has also done many private party productions and hosted a long series of Brazilian Club Nights at the Rhythm Lounge as well as special events at the Blue Cafe.

Valeria has helped bring SambaLa and their events - including the monthly Club Samba shows at the Blue Cafe - to new heights of creation and success.

With such organizational and people skills, she has also been serving as Vice-President of SambaLa working side-by-side with President David de Hilster, taking on more and more responsibility.

Michael Ruggieri

Michael Ruggieri, a professional musician and composer is also part of RioBela productions and contributed countless hours to RioBela produced events including many SambaLa events. He has donated numerous shows for SambaLa all under the production of RioBela which also produced and launched his CD of original compositions that can be found on his website www.michaelruggieri.com.

He helps out in production work as well as internet-based work such as email blasts and website graphics for RioBela Productions. He also helps out with the bateria playing numerous instruments.

Just as important, Michael has contributed many shows to help during SambaLa and RioBela production events.

We thank both Valeria and Michael from RioBela Productions for their many years of service and donations in time, money, and hard work.

Muitissimos obrigados!

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