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Record-Breaking $420,000 Raised at 3rd Annual Gala
Thank you for your gifts!
Your generosity will help us increase our support for Inclusive Catholic Education & Meaningful Employment for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Diocese of Arlington.
Evening Highlights
Over 420 people gathered at the Porto Charities Advocacy Awards Gala on May 2nd at the Westfields Marriott to celebrate inclusive education and meaningful employment.
The crowd felt like family as friends old and new celebrated the inclusion advocates being honored that night. Catalyst Award recipient Bishop Loverde received a standing ovation as did Self-Advocate Award recipient Elizabeth Eisenberg.
Over $420, 000 was raised through the generosity of those who participated through sponsorship, the silent auction and a lively paddle raise.
The evening celebrated Porto's history and blazed a bright light for the future. Guests went home feeling invigorated and renewed, ready to make even greater strides for belonging of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Diocese of Arlington.
Listen to Bishop Michael Burbidge's comments about the Gala that he made on "The Walk Humbly Podcast." (Minute 0:44 - 1:30)
Read this article from the Catholic Herald for more details about the evening.
Photo Gallery
2025 Award Recipients
2025 Catalyst Award
Bishop Emeritus Paul Loverde
Special Thanks
Honorary Chairs
Kathy and Steve Pryor
Event Co-Chairs:
Jerry and Pamela Pelano
Gala Committee
Leo Alonso
Carmen Chiappetta
Kathryn Doherty
Christine Fowler
Stew McHie
Lupita Williamson
Auction Chair
Kim Perry
Volunteer Chair
Christine Fowler
Porto Charities
Board of Directors
Leo Alonso, President
Tony Stafford, Vice President
John Reidt, Treasurer
Bill Mundy, Secretary
Bill Dalgetty, Governance
Jerry Pelano, Development
Maureen Ashby
Art Bennett
Dan Braun
Patrick Cross
Sheila Erhardt
Therese Fimian
Christine Fowler
Paul Frommelt
Dave Hoppe
Stew McHie
Richard Milone
Fr. Rich Miserendino
Robert Mueller
Jay Sciuto
Special thanks to Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and the Chancery, for their continuous support of Porto Charities.
Special thanks to Stephanie Lee, for introducing the inaugural Laura Lee Self-Advocate Award. You may read her special remarks here.
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Special thanks to Brickwall Printing & Graphics for providing our programs for the event.
A heartfelt thanks to Christine Fowler for coordinating the many young adult volunteers who enriched our time together tonight.
Special thanks to Eve Lotterer for providing the music entertainment during our social hour tonight, and DJ Garv for entertaining guests during the dancing.
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
Matching challenge
$100,000
Anonymous
platinum
Paul Frommelt
gold
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bell
silver
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Dalgetty
bronze
Basilica of Saint Mary
Phil Cooper
CRL Technologies
David Hamilton
Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Licitra
Greg Sanchez
Charlie Sullivan
Partner
Bishop Ireton High School
Bishop O'Connell High School (2)
Chiappetta / Foti
Desmarais LLP
Holy Spirit Church & School (2)
Jerry and Pam Pelano
Jay Sciuto
Paul Scolese & Kathryn Doherty (2)
Saint John Paul the Great HS
St. Paul VI Catholic High School
table for
parents & educators
Matthew Shank
Tony Stafford/Ford’s Fish Shack
supporter
Anchor Construction
Ginny & Bill Colwell
Mark M. Downs, CFP®, RICP®, ChSNC® |Northwestern Mutual
David Egan and family
Joseph Fitzgerald
Gen Lee and Stephanie Smith Lee
Milone Law Firm PLLC
Bill and Marla Mundy
Nativity Catholic School & Church
Potomac Concrete
Tony and Sue Simon
table for
volunteers
Catholic Charities of the DOA
Jeff & Sheila Erhardt
Mark and Christine Fowler
Little House Group
Lawrence and Carole Morris
Daniel O’Donohue
friend
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Jack and Mary Donovan
The Fergusons
Media Inquiries
Please email us at media@portocharities.org