2024 Celebrates Excellence,Resilience and the10th Annual American Dream Awards Gala

DANBURY, CT- 10th Annual American Dream Awards Gala Honors Outstanding Community Members

The New American Dream Foundation hosted the 10th Annual American Dream Awards Gala, presented by Ventura Law at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, CT, on Friday, September 27, 2024. The event was a resounding success, celebrating remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of the American Dream.

Themed "A Night in Brazil " the Gala paid homage to the cultural heritage of the organization's founders while showcasing the strength and diversity of the community. The event featured the American Dream Awards ceremony, highlighting the community impact The New American Dream Foundation has had over the past decade, as well as the presentation of scholarships to immigrant students and an exciting live Samba School Show sponsored by Union Savings Bank.

Ventura Law announced the creation of The New American Dream Foundation Americo S. Ventura Scholarship’ The law firm made a $15,000 gift to the American Dream Scholarship fund and will be presenting one $3,000 scholarship every year for the next 5 years in Mr. Ventura’s memory.

“It is of great significance not only because we are partnering with an organization that has done such amazing work in our community but also, to us at Ventura Law, because we can express our deep devotion and gratitude for Americo S. Ventura, our founding partner,” Said Ventura Law Attorney and Partner, Patty Cruz

The 2024 American Dreram Award honorees included:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Ana Paula Machado – Founding partner of the Center for Pediatric Medicine, Dr. Machado has been a pillar of compassionate care in the community, especially to those whose first language is Portuguese. Her dedication to serving immigrant children in greater Danbury has earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Top Doc awards and recognition as The Leading Physician of the World.

Rising Star Award: Mayor Roberto Alves - Mayor Alves, the first Latino mayor in Danbury's history, has shown exemplary leadership and dedication to his community. Born to Brazilian and Portuguese immigrants, Mayor Alves's commitment to public service and community involvement sets an example for the next generation.

Community Hero Award: The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) - Formerly the Women's Center of Greater Danbury, CEE has been a vital support system for victims of domestic and sexual violence in the region. Its longstanding commitment to serving immigrants and empowering the community makes it a deserving recipient of this award.

American Dream Scholarship Award Recipients:

·      Anjel Granados, a first-generation Guatemalan American, has overcome family and personal challenges and aspires to pursue business and entrepreneurship.

·      Lucilene Silva, an immigrant from Brazil, has obtained an associate's degree in accounting and aims to become a Certified Public Accountant to inspire the immigrant community.

·      Diego Soto, a first-generation Mexican American, dreams of becoming a lawyer to advocate for others and plans to create a nonprofit organization to help the undocumented gain legal status.

·      Isabella Lima, a first-generation Brazilian American who attends Western Connecticut State University, works 40 hours a week while pursuing her college education and aspires to become a teacher.

·      Yasmari Vazquez is a junior at Danbury High School and a first-generation Ecuadorian American. She works as a student worker for Sodexo, assisting with inputting production records into an online database after school. Yasmari aspires to become an accountant.

TNADF was also celebrated, a received $4,000 donation from the Danbury Lions Foundation towards it Senior Hot Meal program.

Celia Bacelar Palmares, President and Founder of The New American Dream Foundation, expressed her gratitude to all attendees and participants, saying, "We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements of these outstanding honorees and the collective impact of the American Dream Gala over the past decade."

ABOUT TNADF

TNADF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2016 by the Bacelar-Palmares Family. It serves as the philanthropic branch of the Tribuna Newspaper, a trilingual publication founded by the family in 1999. The TNADF's mission is to celebrate, support, and inspire immigrants of all generations, committed to providing opportunities that enhance access to education, health, and civic engagement.

For more information on The New American Dream Foundation, Inc., visit www.thenewamericandreamfoundation.org.