The second annual Building Bridges Celebration was held on August 6, 2008, at McGovern's Restaurant. United Neighbors of Fall River uses the Building Bridges Celebration to recognize the collaborative work done over the past year to benefit the children and families of Fall River. Approximately 75 invitees enjoyed breakfast and networking before being recognized for their work. The event was almost double the size of last year's showing the growing strength of the community in supporting families. Ten individuals were recognized: foster parent Crystal Crandall, resident/volunteers Emily Ward, Dawn Nardi and Manuel Galego, Karin Wood of the BOLD Coalition, Joe and Jan Plante of Minuteman Press, John Raposa and Judith Rocha of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, foster parents Deanna and Victor Vieira, and James Smith from Meganet Communications. Click here to see the United Neighbors staff. For more information about the program, contact Executive Director Jenny Diblasi at 508-324-7933.
 

(Top row, left) Executive Director Jenny Diblasi welcomes everyone to the 2nd Annual Building Bridges Celebration. (Top row, right) BOLD Coalition Director Karen Fischer is introduced to new Fall River Health and Human Services Director Dr. Henry Vaillancourt by United Interfaith Action organizer Dawn Nardi. (Middle row, left) Jenny awards foster parent Crystal Crandall, as Program Assistant Najwa Akouri looks on. (Middle row, center) Guest speaker Mayor Robert Correia gives an inspirational message. (Middle row, right) Department of Children & Families' Supervisors Judith Rocha and John Raposa receive their award. (Bottom row, left) FRED-TV Executive Producer and Instructor Pauline McGrath is given special recognition for producing a video for United Neighbors. (Bottom row, center) Jenny gives out gift bags to the raffle winners. (Bottom row, right) Volunteer Emily Ward and Scott Pachico of Kool Smiles General Dentistry chat with Jenny at the end of the event.