A UNIT OF THE GALA FOUNDATION

Sunday, December 11, 2011

WHO WILL WIN THE GALA AWARDS FOR 2011?

FLASH-Tampa-2011- Who will win the Gala Awards for 2011? The Gala Foundation has announced that two Gala Awards will be given to to distinguished community "Pillars" and exemplary Icons to the sphere that they live in.  The Gala Foundation began to recognize key people within the family since 1983.  Noel recently stated that the Gala Award Winners will be announced shortly after the Christmas themes are over on both Gala sites and will showcase the two Gala Award Winners . The following is a brief history of the Gala Awards  The Gala Awards was created by Noel Serrano and Joaquin Maldonado 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 roles within our Organization.

In 1987, there were actually 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 this Award be given)

In 1988, Octavio Bosch, the strong Bosch veteran received the coveted award for his legendary example to the family. Frances S. Rosado won the 1888 Gala Award and it was presented by "President Reagan".

In 1989 did not have a Gala Award winner due to a brief shut down of the Gala Foundation operations. 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 two times. (Only the late Felicita M. Serrano received two Gala Awards but one was given posthumously in 1987) Gladys S. Morales joined the ranks in the Hall of Gala Award 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 joined 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 Maria Balsera Serrano won the Gala Award for her contribution to the Organization. This Award is ongoing and very special. The Gala Award is never given to just any one. 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 family. Between the years of 1995 and 2009 the Gala Foundation posthumously recognized Honorary Gala Awards for all of our dearly departed Family Icons such as Rev. Lucas "Toto" Maldonado, Jose Molina,Felicita Pabon, the mother of the late Francisco Serrano, Rev Amador Serrano,Amelia Bonhomme, Wilson Serrano . In 2009  Michelle Maldonado  and the late Awilda Bosch were recipients of the Gala Awards, with Awilda receiving it posthumously.  In 2010, the Gala Award went to the hardworking Gala Associate Administrator an Editor of La Fundacion Gala, Raquel Gonzalez, for her "Lifetime Achievement' and "yeoman" work with the Gala Foundation. and the Gala Awards Honors continue as we  await the Gala Winners for  2011 (To be announced very soon)
If you would like to be a part of this and many projects that we have for all Gala members, please take a moment to write to  Noel Serrano at ttinserrano@yahoo.com You are also welcome to nominate a candidate for the Gala Award. May we always learn from these Gala Award Winners! Many of them have gone on to receive their Higher Reward in Heaven, to be forever with Our Lord. They were the Best and the Brightest Lights amongst us. We shall continue to recognize and honor those that dwell with us and shine in their corner of the world. Help us determine who should be the next Gala Award Winner.
 

No comments:

Post a Comment