Our 2nd Advocacy Awards Gala was a Huge Success!
Thank you all for your support!
The additional awareness and funds raised will help us increase our support toward Inclusive Catholic Education & Meaningful Employment for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Diocese of Arlington.
Evening Highlights
The evening began with a Mass concelebrated by Bishop M. Burbidge and Bishop Emeritus Paul Loverde along with other priests and deacons from our Diocese. The beautiful mass set the tone for the rest of the evening. You can listen to the Bishop's homily here.
2024 Award Recipients
Porto Charities Catalyst Award
Megan Battle
Inclusion Success Coach
St. Margaret of Castello Award for Outstanding Educator
Kimberly Lusch
The Basilica School of St. Mary
Bishop Michael Burbidge Award for Outstanding Employer
St. Leo the Great School
Fairfax, VA
St. Timothy Award for Outstanding Peer Mentor
Cooper Metz
Bishop Ireton High School
St. John Paul II Award for Outstanding School
St. Mark School
Vienna, VA
Statements from the Award the Recipients
Being a peer mentor has become a part of my identity and has been a life-changing experience. I first became a peer mentor in elementary school and I have been honored to serve in that role through high school. This experience has led to working with people with special needs outside of school as well…and has resulted in wonderful friendships. In particular, I have developed a special bond with one of my mentees, Gavin. He has brought so much happiness to me, my family, and my friends that I feel like he has given me more than I have to him.
Some of the best things about being a peer mentor are being able to see the kids you work with smile and succeed, and knowing that you did something to help them is a very good feeling. Making connections and learning how to communicate and express ourselves to each other is one of the most rewarding experiences that I have had.
The Peer Mentor Program has changed my outlook on life. I have learned so much just by seeing how other people live and how hard it can be for them. Knowing that I can have an impact on their lives and can help them through their day is a wonderful thing.
Peer Mentoring plays a major role at Bishop Ireton by making sure everyone can accept each other for who they are, and that we all feel a part of the BI Family. Everyday, everybody is learning a little more about each other…it makes for a very nice community.
Special Thanks
Honorary Chairs
Tom and Laura Bell
Event Co-Chairs:
Jerry and Pamela Pelano
Gala Committee
Leo Alonso
Carmen Chiappetta
Christine Fowler
Stew McHie
Lupita Williamson
Auction Chair
Kim Perry
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Nominations Chair
Kathryn Doherty​
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Volunteer Chair
Christine Fowler
Board of Directors
Leo Alonso, President
Tony Stafford, Vice President
John Reidt, Treasurer
Bill Mundy, Secretary
Bill Dalgetty, Governance
Jerry Pelano, Development
Art Bennett
Dan Braun
Patrick Cross
Sheila Earhardt
Therese Fimian
Christine Fowler
Paul Frommelt
Dave Hoppe
Stew McHie
Richard Milone
Fr. Rich Miserendino
Laura Saracina
Special thanks to Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and the Chancery, for their continuous support of Porto Charities.
Special thanks to Bishop Ireton High School for graciously agreeing to host our 2nd Annual Advocacy Awards.
Special thanks to Brickwall Printing & Graphics for providing our programs for the event.
Special thanks to Tony Stafford and Ford’s Fish Shack for generously donating two tables for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend the Gala.
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Special thanks to Eve Lotterer for providing the music entertainment during our social hour tonight.
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A heartfelt thanks to Christine Fowler for coordinating the many young adults volunteers who enriched our time together tonight.
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Special thanks to Jeff & Sheila Earhardt, Jay Kim and Kay Lee, Maite Dougherty, Mark and Christine Fowler, the Ruffer Family Charitable Fund, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church for donating the tables for all our volunteers tonight.
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​Thank you to all who kindly donated items for our Gala Online Auction and to Kim Perry for spearheading this effort.
A heartfelt thanks to all the young adult volunteers and peer mentors for all their help throughout the evening.
Thanks to our Sponsors
legacy
Anonymous
platinum
Paul and Geri Frommelt
gold
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Pryor
silver
Ford's Fish Shack
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Brass
Bill & Marilynn Dalgetty
Bishop Ireton High School
Bishop O’Connell High School
Charlie & Sally Sullivan
David & Katherine Hamilton
Leo & Betty Alonso
St. Mark Catholic School
St. Paul VI Catholic High School
bronze
Brickwall Printing & Graphics
CRL Technology
Jerry & Pam Pelano
partner
Mr. and Mrs. Anibal Ramos
The Honorable and Mrs. William Colwell
Bill & Marla Mundy
Dennis & Tina Chiappetta
Gibson & Aris McMahon
Phil & Pat Cooper
Saint John Paul the Great HS
St. Luke Catholic School
The Basilica School of St. Mary
Therese Fimian
supporter
Anchor Construction Corporation
Ruffer Family Charitable Fund
Jeff & Sheila Earhardt
Kathleen & David Egan
Jay-Hyung Kim
Maite Dougherty
Mark & Christine Fowler
Mark & Marianne Downs
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
Zulmira Morais
Media Inquiries
Please email us at media@portocharities.org