Record-breaking attendance at the 4th annual Advocacy Awards Gala!

A record-breaking 475 people gathered at the Porto Charities Embrace Gala on April 24th to celebrate inclusive education and meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The guests included school administrators, educators, students, volunteers, advocates, clergy, supporters, and individuals with disabilities.

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The crowd felt like family as friends, old and new, celebrated the advocates being honored that night. Catalyst Award recipient Susan Rinaldi gave a heartwarming speech accompanied by her beloved sister Emily, whom she thanked for having inspired her to pursue a career in Special Education. 

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More than $400, 000 was raised thanks to the generosity of those who participated through sponsorship, the silent auction, and a lively paddle raise.

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The evening celebrated Porto Charities' history by honoring two founding members who recently retired from the board of directors. The event also blazed a bright light for the future, as the inaugural Lumen Cordis Award was presented to Jordan Smith Jr., a prolific basketball player and peer mentor at St. Paul VI High School. An additional four peer mentors, each representing the four Diocesan high schools, were also honored. Meet all the awardees below!