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AMERICAN Dream AWARDS
THE NEW AMERICAN DREAM FOUNDATION'S
Date:
Friday
October 16
2026
Location:
The Amber Room Colonnade
1 Stacey Rd.
Danbury, CT 06811
Time
05:30 pm
PRESENTED BY:
ONE NIGHT.
ONE DESTINATION.
ONE COMMUNITY.
Experience Portugal. Empower the American Dream.
On Friday, October 16, 2026, The Amber Room Colonnade will be transformed into Little Portugal as The New American Dream Foundation proudly presents the 2026 American Dream Awards Gala, presented by Ventura Law.
Inspired by the charm of Lisbon, the beauty of Sintra, the vineyards of the Douro Valley, and the vibrant streets of Porto, this year's gala is more than a fundraiser. It is an immersive celebration of heritage, community, and the immigrant journey.
One of the traditions that makes the American Dream Awards Gala unique is that each year we alternate between celebrating the rich multicultural tapestry of our community and spotlighting one immigrant community whose story reflects the American Dream. After celebrating Brazil in 2024 and our multicultural "Around the World in One Evening" gala in 2025, our 2026 journey takes us to Portugal.
This year, we celebrate the remarkable story of unity that unfolded 25 years ago, when the Portuguese community came together around a shared vision to create the Portuguese Cultural Center. Their story reminds us that the American Dream can be built not only by individuals, but by communities working together toward a common purpose.
We will also proudly recognize:
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Honoring the Founders of the Portuguese Cultural Center
Augie Ribeiro • Ray Boa • Jose Boa • Francisco Bahia • Antonio Fernandes
AMERICAN DREAM CHAMPION AWARD
State Senator Julie Kushner
COMMUNITY HERO AWARD
Families Network of Western Connecticut, Inc.
2026 AMERICAN DREAM SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Julia Pereira, 19 | Brazilian American
Gussi Angelina Vera Cajas, 21 | Ecuador
Maksym Pshenainikov, 18 | Ukraine
Suyun Han, 23 | China
YOUR TICKET MAKES AN IMPACT
Your ticket supports programs that expand access to education, healthcare, emergency assistance, community resources, and support for seniors and immigrant families throughout Greater Danbury.
The evening will begin with a cash bar cocktail reception, during which guests can mingle. It will be followed by a three-course dinner, live entertainment, and the American Dream Awards.
SUPPORT OUR MISSION, BECOME A SPONSOR
By sponsoring the American Dream Awards Gala, your organization directly supports critical services while honoring the American Dream. We welcome your partnership in building a stronger community and redefining the American Dream—one story at a time.
Click here to learn more about our work.
For more information on these sponsorship opportunities, call (203) 770-3708 or via email development@thenewamericandreamfoundation.org
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong
THE NEW AMERICAN DREAM FOUNDATION
TNADF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2016 by the Bacelar-Palmares Family. It serves as the philanthropic branch of the Tribuna Newspaper, a trilingual publication founded by the family in 1999. The TNADF's mission is to celebrate, support, and inspire immigrants of all generations, committed to providing opportunities that enhance access to education, health, and civic engagement.
ABOUT US
Tribuna Newspaper is a multilingual publication in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, founded with a mission to build bridges, connect cultures, and elevate the stories that shape our community.
Through this work, Tribuna has shared the journeys of immigrants, including its founder and publisher, Celia Bacelar Palmares, who immigrated from Brazil and experienced firsthand the challenges and determination required to pursue the American Dream.
In 2014, in celebration of Tribuna’s 15th Anniversary, the American Dream Awards Gala was created to recognize individuals whose stories reflect resilience, contribution, and the pursuit of opportunity.
As the event grew, so did its purpose. In 2016, The New American Dream Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, expanding this vision into year-round impact through programs that support immigrants and their families across generations.
Today, the Gala stands as more than an event. It is a moment where community comes together, where stories are honored, and where the shared values of perseverance, unity, and opportunity are celebrated.
Each year, we highlight not only individual achievement, but the power of collective action, recognizing that the American Dream is often built together, by communities who support one another and work toward a common goal.
“The gala became an opportunity for all of us to come together and go beyond highlighting the cultural contributions of the immigrant community, and sincerely celebrate their determination in the pursuit of the American Dream above all else. The foundation is a vehicle to create meaningful change for generations of immigrants to come.”
– Celia Bacelar Palmares
SPONSORSHIP
The success of this event will depend on the generosity of our community partners. Different sponsorship levels explained in detail below will help cover all the additional costs of the event such as awards, scholarships, and entertainment.
For more information on these sponsorship opportunities, call (203) 770-3708
or via email development@thenewamericandreamfoundation.org
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR 2025 AMERICAN DREAM
AWARDS SPONSORS
PAST GALAS
CONTACT US
The New American Dream Foundation
32 Farview Ave. - Danbury, CT 06810
Tel: 203.730.0457
Fax: 203.778.8974