Volunteer for Gala | Porto Charities

The form below is for teens and young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who wish to volunteer at the Porto Charities Gala on April 24, 2026, at Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles.

The event will take place from 5:30-10:30 pm. All volunteers will be grouped and assigned to a volunteer coach who will support them through the event.

All volunteers are expected to work in shifts of no more than 2 hours, between 4:00 pm and 9:30 pm. Volunteers may request the time and jobs they would prefer to perform.

For all other volunteers (peer mentors, educators, parents, etc.) please email us at events@portocharities.org, or by clicking the button below.

Volunteer at the Gala - Self -Advocate form

Named after Laura Lee, a nationally recognized advocate from Virginia, this award recognizes an outstanding individual with an intellectual or developmental disability who advocates for themselves and others in schools, workplaces, and the community. This individual inspires others through their achievements, challenges barriers, and promotes accessibility for people with disabilities.

Questions 1-7 are about you, the nominator.

1. First name

2. Last name

3. Email

4. Preferred Phone (We will use this to contact you if we need additional information about the nominee.)

5. Address (Nominations are open only to people residing, studying, or working in the Diocese of Arlington, VA)

6. How did you hear about the award nominations?

7. What is your relationship to the person you are nominating: (I'm a friend, family member, employer, job coach, etc.)

Questions 8-15 are about the self-advocate you are nominating. The nominee must live, work or study in the Diocese of Arlington.

8. Name of the person with intellectual or developmental disability (self-advocate) you are nominating

9. Self-advocate's email and/or phone number

10. Self-Advocate's age

11. Self-Advocate's highest level of education attained

12. Self-Advocate's current workplace (type N/A if not applicable)

Please use your statement to tell us why you feel the nominee deserves the Laura Lee (self-advocate) award. Consider the following questions and provide examples when you can:

In which ways has the self-advocate challenged barriers? (e.g., include any education, volunteer/employment, sports, or activities that are traditionally challenging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and yet the nominee has participated in)
How does the self-advocate elevate the voices of people with disabilities? (e.g., include any advocacy activities)
How does the self-advocate inspire others and foster a culture of belonging in their community (e.g., what's the nominee's personality and attitude in life)

13. Nomination Statement

14. Additional Comments

Optional: Supporting Documents. You may upload up to 10 files (video, images, Word or PDF documents) to support your nomination.

Upload up to ten files.

View and agree to the nominating criteria.

My submission complies with the eligibility criteria.

Dowload Terms and Conditions

Volunteer at the Gala - Self -Advocate form

Helpful Links:

Catholic Education

Meaningful Employment

Upcoming Events

Webinars

Leadership

Volunteer

Donate

Sign Up for Porto Charities Newsletters & Announcements!