The Gala Awards was created by Noel Serrano for the Gala Foundation during the early Gatherings of the 1980s. Noel felt that an Award should be given to an exemplary figure that emerges from our Members. In the very early years, there was no such award given. Noel thought that there were so many, whose time had come to recognize some of these "Giants" within.
In 1984, the sudden death of Boyie Mohammed, led Noel to present a special gift to the widow, Norma Mohammed, for her endurance in a very dark and painful time. In 1985, Felicita M. Serrano received a special recognition for her Legendary Example to her family.
In 1986, it was the time for Francisco Serrano and Nieves Bosch to receive the Man of the Year and Woman of the Year for their respective role within our Organization.
In 1987, there were actual four presentations. Felicita M. Serrano received the first Posthumous Gala Award. Joaquin Maldonado finally received a much-deserved Lifetime Gala Award for his legendary contribution to our family, for it was his vision that inspired all these family institutions that exist today. Noel Serrano was surprised when he received his own Gala Award. (Felicita's last act as the Secretary of the Gala Foundation, was to request that is award be given)
In 1988, Octavio Bosch, the strong Bosch veteran received the coveted award for his legendary example to the family.
In 1989 did not have a Gala Award winner due to a brief shut down of the Gala Foundation. It has been the only year that the institution halted operations due to personal reasons. Thank God that it was only a temporary shut down due to mitigating circumstances.
In 1990, the Gala Awards was in full bloom and now it was Dear Hilda Bosch, the strong Bosch Matriarch who graciously received the Gala award and was the only winner that year. One can recall that special moment frozen in time, when all tears glistened as this precious woman of God came up to receive her due reward. Hilda was so choked up with emotion that Joaquin made a special prayer for her along with the rest of the family.. It was truly a memorable moment.
In 1991, Clarita Maldonado joined the ranks of Gala Award recipients when she received her very own award or Recognition for all her hard work and example that advances the causes of the organization. Clarita is an enduring Institution in her own right. Joaquin has stated many times: "I could not do the things that I do without my faithful companion" Nivia B. Torres also won an award for that year and for the circumstance that were present at that time.
In 1992, Joaquin Maldonado became the only living family member to receive the Gala award, to have received it twice. (Only the late Felicta M. Serrano received two Gala Awards but one was given posthumously in 1987) Gladys s. Morales joined the ranks in the Hall of Gala winners, for her life time example to her family.
In 1993, the Gala Award went to Sarah Ortiz, for her Outstanding contribution to our family. Sarah join ed the rank of the Family Elders within a year. the Award was shipped to Puerto Rico and was special delivered in time for Christmas eve.
In 1994, the award was presented to Victor Ortiz, the strong Ortiz Patriarch in Puerto Rico was elated when he received the prestigious award and was also included in the rank of Elders. Miriam B. Fuentes also received a much deserved Gala Award for her ongoing role and outstanding example for our family.
In 1984, the sudden death of Boyie Mohammed, led Noel to present a special gift to the widow, Norma Mohammed, for her endurance in a very dark and painful time. In 1985, Felicita M. Serrano received a special recognition for her Legendary Example to her family.
In 1986, it was the time for Francisco Serrano and Nieves Bosch to receive the Man of the Year and Woman of the Year for their respective role within our Organization.
In 1987, there were actual four presentations. Felicita M. Serrano received the first Posthumous Gala Award. Joaquin Maldonado finally received a much-deserved Lifetime Gala Award for his legendary contribution to our family, for it was his vision that inspired all these family institutions that exist today. Noel Serrano was surprised when he received his own Gala Award. (Felicita's last act as the Secretary of the Gala Foundation, was to request that is award be given)
In 1988, Octavio Bosch, the strong Bosch veteran received the coveted award for his legendary example to the family.
In 1989 did not have a Gala Award winner due to a brief shut down of the Gala Foundation. It has been the only year that the institution halted operations due to personal reasons. Thank God that it was only a temporary shut down due to mitigating circumstances.
In 1990, the Gala Awards was in full bloom and now it was Dear Hilda Bosch, the strong Bosch Matriarch who graciously received the Gala award and was the only winner that year. One can recall that special moment frozen in time, when all tears glistened as this precious woman of God came up to receive her due reward. Hilda was so choked up with emotion that Joaquin made a special prayer for her along with the rest of the family.. It was truly a memorable moment.
In 1991, Clarita Maldonado joined the ranks of Gala Award recipients when she received her very own award or Recognition for all her hard work and example that advances the causes of the organization. Clarita is an enduring Institution in her own right. Joaquin has stated many times: "I could not do the things that I do without my faithful companion" Nivia B. Torres also won an award for that year and for the circumstance that were present at that time.
In 1992, Joaquin Maldonado became the only living family member to receive the Gala award, to have received it twice. (Only the late Felicta M. Serrano received two Gala Awards but one was given posthumously in 1987) Gladys s. Morales joined the ranks in the Hall of Gala winners, for her life time example to her family.
In 1993, the Gala Award went to Sarah Ortiz, for her Outstanding contribution to our family. Sarah join ed the rank of the Family Elders within a year. the Award was shipped to Puerto Rico and was special delivered in time for Christmas eve.
In 1994, the award was presented to Victor Ortiz, the strong Ortiz Patriarch in Puerto Rico was elated when he received the prestigious award and was also included in the rank of Elders. Miriam B. Fuentes also received a much deserved Gala Award for her ongoing role and outstanding example for our family.
In 1995, The Gala Award went to Maria Balsera Serrano, the 2ND wife of Francisco Serrano. she earned the respect and admiration of the entire family with her Humility, Compassion and Generosity.
This Award is ongoing and very special. The Gala Award is never given to just any person. It must and will be given to those who truly earn it. We congratulate all of these great family members who have been honored through the years and may this Institution serve to inspire to achieve great things in the Lord so that his blessing will enhance our every path. We all agree that the true award in life is to live an exemplary life and to inspire others to also live a productive and a progressive life in the Lord. that is our goal. That is the central policy of this enduring institution. may we always be able to recognize the unsung heroes in our growing Organization.
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ReplyDeleteFLASH-At Press time, The Gala Foundation is presently in talks of resuming the Gala Awards to honor Outstanding Group members. The Gala Awards will resume in the near future, selecting outstanding candidates from our members group. Stay tuned for details.........
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