Event Details
Honorary Chairs: Kathy & Steve Pryor
The Gala is Porto Charities' signature event where the Diocese of Arlington comes together to recognize and celebrate advocates for inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our parishes, schools and workplaces.
Special Message
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington
About the Embrace Advocacy Awards
Since 2023, Porto Charities has been presenting the Advocacy Awards in various categories to outstanding individuals and institutions making a great impact in the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. These awards are presented at the Advocacy Awards Gala. Meet the 2025 recipients below.
The Catalyst Award
The 2025 Porto Charities Catalyst Award will be presented to Most Rev. Bishop Emeritus Paul Loverde. Under his leadership the Diocese of Arlington saw the emergence and growth of inclusive Catholic education in our high schools and several of our elementary schools. His unwavering support of Porto Charities’ mission to include individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life is an inspiration.
The Laura Lee Self-Advocate Award
The recipient for our first ever Laura Lee Self-Advocate Award is Ms. Elizabeth Eisenberg. This award recognizes an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability who embodies a spirit of determination, courage and joy. The award is named after Laura Lee, who made history as the first person with Down syndrome to testify before numerous influential legislative bodies and was a light to all in her community.
Outstanding Educator Award
Ms. Sheila Moran, Holy Spirit Catholic School
Outstanding Employer Award
Bishop Ireton High School
Outstanding Peer Mentor Award
Ella Nasr, Bishop O’Connell High School student
Zoe Wallace, Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School student
Outstanding School Award
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School
About Porto Charities
Porto Charities builds a culture of belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by facilitating access to Catholic education, meaningful employment and community engagement opportunities in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
To learn more about Porto Charities, visit:
www.portocharities.org
Donate an Item
Submit your donation here, or send an email to kim.perry@portocharities.org
Every gift supports inclusive Catholic education and meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Thank you for your donation!
We have received your donation and you should get an email confirmation shortly. If we need more information, we will reach out to the email/phone that you provided. Thank you again and we greatly appreciate your donation.
Volunteer
Interested in volunteering at the Advocacy Awards Gala?
We love having volunteers with disabilities at the Gala. If you have a disability and would like to volunteer, please sign up here.
Peer mentors, parents, coaches, and all other advocates of inclusion interested in volunteering, please sign up here.
Our Sponsors
We owe so much to our wonderful sponsors!
