During the first few days of 2010, we introduced our new logo with the slogan “The Voyage Continues” as a way to reaffirm our commitment to the mission of the Portuguese Foundation - to advance people of Portuguese ancestry and disseminate a greater awareness of Portuguese Culture throughout the State of Connecticut. However a few weeks before January 24th, the anniversary date of our founding, my focus became less about the Portuguese Foundation and more about the need for compassion and empathy toward the suffering that was happening in the Caribbean Sea.

On January 12, 2010, at 4:53 in the afternoon, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the island nation of Haiti. As the news and images of the devastation began to make its way around the world, many stood by their television sets to watch as details of the destruction on the poorest country of the Western Hemisphere unfolded. Several hours after the initial quake, the news began to make its way around our group that our long time member, Richard L. Santos, was in Haiti. Now an event that struck far away from Connecticut and seemed distant, was quickly made real and personal to many in our group.

Minutes turned to hours and soon a full day went by. Yet there was no news or information of Rick’s whereabouts. Many of us prayed and hoped that the communications on the island would improve to allow Rick’s family the ability to ascertain if he was safe. As more details were being televised from the news stations, word came that Rick and several of his colleagues were at the Hotel Montana in Port-Au-Prince at the time of the quake. It was close to 11 at night on January 13th, when I first saw the images of the hotel that Rick was supposed to be in. I was aghast at what I was seeing - a flattened pile of concrete slabs and debris that looked like pancakes. It was difficult to watch the reports on the ruins of the hotel, but like so many in our group I continued to hold out hope that Rick would be found alive.

It was soon two days after the quake, 48 hours without food, without water, without any medical attention or communication, and Rick was still not found. The news from Haiti was becoming more tragic by the passing hour. Reports of the death toll were skyrocketing from 30,000, to 80,000, to 100,000, and upwards of 200,000. It would seem that hope was fading, but hope is a funny thing.

Hope requires the resolve of the human spirit to nourish and grow. When something deep within us, sparks the passion to believe that the impossible is possible, hope survives. When our hearts refuse to give in to the darkness of despair and feelings of failure, hope survives. It is when the reality surrounding us paints a picture of odds too great to overcome, that we should hold steadfast to hope. 55 hours later the news came - Rick had been found alive and miraculously uninjured! He and his colleagues were pulled out from under the Hotel Montana by rescue workers, and our belief in the power of hope was reaffirmed.

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of The Portuguese Foundation, and the hope that this small group could make an impact for the greater good of Portuguese Americans in Connecticut is truly reaffirmed. For 19 of those 20 years our group has put together an annual scholarship banquet, in the hopes that the awards given to the brightest students of Portuguese ancestry would in a small way assist them with achieving their dreams of higher education. Indeed many have gone on to become successful professionals. Yet, the Board of Directors hoped that someday many of these students would consider returning to the Foundation to become members themselves, and take an active role in its cause. Although we have seen a few return, Anabela Pinho Cerdeira, Anabela Parreira dos Santos, Vanda C. Marques, Crystal Fernandes and Carlos Canto, we still hold hope that many more of the 122 recipients of the last 19 years will find us again, and join.

We further hoped that during the existence of the Foundation, we could somehow enlighten the residents of Connecticut to the unique wonders of Portuguese Culture. Again, our hope is reaffirmed, as through the years we were able to hold countless events and functions that brought about a greater awareness of Portuguese Culture to thousands of individuals. Simply look at our events section in this booklet to see a list of a few.
Of course, many of the local Portuguese social clubs, churches and vendors do an amazing job preserving our culture in the communities they are based in, but our hope is that on a statewide level we can bring greater attention to what is already being done in these communities, and showcase Portuguese culture to those who may not know much about it at all. OUR hope is that The Portuguese Foundation will be embraced by all the local groups as a vehicle to publicize what they do so well in their own communities. Whether it be Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, Naugatuck, New Haven, Stonington, Wallingford or Waterbury, my wish is that each of these cities and towns remember the Foundation is here to work with them on disseminating a greater appreciation for our heritage and culture.

As I reflect on the last twenty years, I would like to share a little of my personal feelings about this group. While attending college, I was fortunate to work at a small law firm that was involved with the creation of The Portuguese Foundation. My task was to assist the founding members of the group with incorporating, and to work with them in obtaining the 501(c)3 status of a public charity. My involvement with the group at this early stage gave me a chance to join as member, and serve as Recording Secretary for a couple of years. Later, I went on to serve in other capacities and volunteer my time to assist the group in achieving its mission. Along the way I worked with, and was mentored by, many remarkable individuals - some who continue to be part of the group today. Yet, my experience has shown that no one single person is responsible for the success of the Foundation.

What I have noticed is that the success of the Foundation comes from all the officers, all the directors, and all the members involved with the group, and most importantly from ALL the generosity of the public that has supported us along the way. The contribution of resources, both financial and personal, from groups and individuals all goes to building a strong Foundation. To every one of you I wish to express my sincere thanks for your contribution and dedication to our
mission. My ultimate HOPE is that The Portuguese Foundation will successfully continue on its voyage for another twenty years.
Lastly, to this year’s scholarship awards recipients, I wish to leave you with a simple quote by
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit priest and French philosopher, who wrote, “the future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope.”

May this message of hope, inspire you to go forth and accomplish your dreams. And may one day in the future, you recall this moment and return to inspire future generations as active members of The Portuguese Foundation.

With Sincere Thanks,
Jose "Zak" P. Bravado, President