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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
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
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
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.
"It was a day to remember forever!"