Circulo de la Hispanidad 35th Anniversary Spring Gala

O ur Founder and Executive Director has received multiple recognitions throughout his life and professional career. All of them have been important, and Mr. Bernardino is grateful to all people who have been involved in the selection process. Reflections O

"It was a day to remember forever!"

vulnerable and needy children and families, throughout his profession and life. The award was given to Spaniards residing abroad who have made special contributions in their respective professions, (art, education, research, literature, sports, etc.). Many of them are well known internationally such as Plácido Domingo, among others. The Awards Ceremony took place in Madrid on May 26, 2014. A book with their short biographies was published. This homage was covered by national newspapers and television. Mr. Bernardino during his 2014 summer vacation, on August 16, received the most emotional and unexpected homage from his birthplace: “Hijo Predilecto de Tapioles”, “Special Son of Tapioles”. Tapioles is Mr. Bernardino’s birthplace. It is a small farm town in the province of Zamora, Spain. The neighbors and Mr. Bernardino’s family attended the unforgettable Award Ceremony where the

He has been honored by, among others, non-profit organizations like: The New York Hispanic Dentistry Association, Círculo’s sister’s organizations: Hempstead Hispanic Civic and Adelante of Suffolk County. Highly emotional and appreciated was the award received by his own organization, Círculo de la Hispanidad, on its 25th Anniversary during the Gala 2005, attended by his family from Spain. He is deeply honored by the Martin Luther King Award given by Nassau County in January of 2014 from the Nassau County Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration Committee. Equally, Mr. Bernardino was totally surprised when he received an email from Madrid, Spain, informing him that he was selected to be honored as one of 100 Spaniards living outside Spain, for his significant contributions to the

Also Mr. Bernardino’s brothers Ángel Antonio and Baudilio in the name of their family spoke with deep emotions con- gratulating their brother. Mr. Bernardino at the end thanked all his neighbors, Mayor, Trustees, his wife Sarah, children and his family for this very special award and their support. He also thanked his deceased parents and family members: his brother Isidoro, his niece Rosa Mari and his sister-in-law, Adela. Mr. Bernardino spoke about his great feelings of gratitude to all the neighbors and parents who taught him about fundamental values of compassion, solidarity and support for the poor and the vulnerable. town’s Mayor, Pepe García Badallo, and its Trustees, in the name of all residents of Tapioles, presented Mr. Bernardino with a bronze bust of his profile on a stone pedestal.

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