The Portuguese Foundation, Inc.
Special Recognition Awards

Over the course of its 20 year existence, The Portuguese Foundation, Inc. has recognized individuals and organizations for their achievements and contributions to the Portuguese-American Community.  These individuals and organizations embody the Foundation's mission statement of advancing Portuguese communities within the State of Connecticut and in keeping alive the Portuguese culture in the State of Connecticut.

2010 Winner

This year, the Portuguese Foundation is proud to recognize one of the most vital health institutions in the Greater Hartford region - Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.

Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center has been an anchor institution in North Central Connecticut since its founding in 1897 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry. Licensed for 617 beds and 65 bassients, it is one of the largest hospitals in Connecticut and the largest Catholic hospital in New England. It is a multidisciplinary, leading-edge teaching hospital.  However, it is so much more as well.

Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center has provided valuable service and medical care for the Greater Hartford Portuguese American Community for many, many years.  Not only has this Connecticut health institution been vital to the physical well-being of its patrons, but it also has been instrumental in providing assistance beyond its campus on the corners of Woodland Street and Asylum Avenue in Hartford.  In addition to its mission in providing the best care possible, the hospital and medical center also serve as a valuable employer for hundreds of employees who trace their heritage back to the rich culture of Portugal.

For this reason, once the Portuguese Foundation began to award scholarships to excellent students that needed financial assistance to complete their collegiate studies, Saint Francis Hospital was soon after one of the first major donors to step up to the plate and contribute much needed funds to the program during several years.  The direct donations made by Saint Francis Hospital has allowed our group to award a significant number of substantial scholarship awards to students who went on to major in various medical fields.  Today, recipients of our scholarship awards serve in the fields of internal medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacology.

On behalf of its Members and the Board of Directors, The Portuguese Foundation is thrilled to bestow upon Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center its 2010 Special Recognition Award.