By Noel Serrano
The Gala Awards Program is the crowning component of all the efforts of our Fraternal Institution. There was a great need and a strategic purpose for its historic inception. It was birthed from tragedies and sorrow but has been redeemed through the long years of observing and celebrating the "Giants' that have graced us and embodied the very best virtues that only a dedicated and exemplary life can ever achieve. Since 1983, we have recognized a member of our massive family for a certain set of examples or attributes that captures the imagination of the Foundation's collective spirit. It is and will continue to be a true labor of Love for our combined families. when the Gala Awards are presented to an individual, they are not presented out of sheer whim, because careful consideration is given to all recipients of this beloved distinction. We take this responsibility very seriously and have always selected an individual that has demonstrated many admirable traits that have always been inherent in the long history of our Organization and the many families that it serves. The Gala Awards was created to recognize the many "Pillars" from our past generation, who shaped and molded our lives with their examples and dedication. It was also designed to inspire Future Leaders to pick up the "Torch" and continue the spirit of Nobility and devotion to others, through their examples and their devoted lives to a positive and constructive way of living. When a Gala Award is given to an individual, it is as if Felicita, Nieves, Lucas and Hilda are all there along with many a "Cloud of great Witnesses" that are cheering us on to keep looking towards the "Prize" and to keep running the Race!
the great cloud of witnesses are all those people who have lived before us — whether famous or not – who have lived lives of faith, following God, worshipping Jesus, leaving for us a rich spiritual legacy.
Thinking about their lives, how they lived, what they lived for, and how they died, is an inspiration. Their example shows us how to have that kind of faith and how to live it.And how many of those do we know by name? We know the famous ones, and then we know the ones who came from our own families and neighborhoods. I think the great cloud of witnesses is like that. That’s why we keep our own Roll of Honor to honor those whose names are not so well known.
This Beloved Award will continue to recognize that individual that creates that great ripple in the stream of their lives and makes an impact in that circle of influence. The Gala Awards is an example of what godly people can forge and accomplish when we learn to serve others and recognize the subliminal messages and examples of those who lived their lives in such a noble manner and could not help but, light up their corner of the world. Their examples paved the way for future generations. we seek to recognize the very best of our nature and the mutual celebration of all the components that bring us all closer to the life that God has ordained for us all. When a Gala Award is presented , we all join in celebrating the examples and the dedication that was demonstrated in the life of that individual. we all live in a fallen world where there is rare time for pausing to reflect or observe on the noble ideals of those who marched ahead of us and lighted a path for us. The Award is a token of esteem and appreciation for their contribution to their circle of influence. It is an enduring and noble concept to think of others and celebrate their lives and accomplishments and provide the proper platform and decorum for all the world to witness. And so, The future of the Gala Awards program will continue to flourish, change and endure because it encourages and celebrates its recipients who live and persevere for that Glorious Heavenly Prize that we all long for, after the "Race" is won!
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