Taking place at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, CT, on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 5:30 PM, this year's Gala promises to be an unforgettable evening.

The theme for the 2024 Gala is "A Night in Brazil in the USA," paying homage to the cultural heritage of the organization's founders while showcasing the strength and diversity of our community. The event will feature the American Dream Awards ceremony, a celebration of the community impact The New American Dream Foundation has had in the past 10 years, scholarships awarded to immigrant students, and an exciting live Samba School Show.

The 2024 honorees include:

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.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of The New American Dream Foundation, Celia Bacelar Palmares, President, and Founder, will present an additional scholarship:

• 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.

These exceptional scholarship recipients have overcome significant challenges on their paths to success and embody the resilience and determination of the immigrant community. From aspiring entrepreneurs to future educators and advocates, these individuals showcase the boundless potential within our immigrant population.

"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," said Celia Bacelar Palmares, president and founder of The New American Dream Foundation.

For more information, and to support the 10th Annual American Dream Awards Gala, please visit https://www.americandreamgala.com.

Contact: The New American Dream Foundation, Inc.

Phone: 203.730.0457

Email: info@thenewamericandreamfoundation.org

Website: https://www.thenewamericandreamfoundation.org