What a Night!
The SPAN 35th Anniversary Gala took place on December 12th and what a tremendous evening it was! The event was our largest gala with more than 165 attendees and 20 sponsors.
We were proud to honor the seven deserving awardees below who moved us with both their work and powerful acceptance speeches:
![Honoree Ruiz_02](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Honoree-Ruiz_02.jpg)
Power Through Policy Legislator Awards: Senator Teresa Ruiz (Education)
![Honoree LaVonia Abavana](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Honoree-LaVonia-Abavana.jpg)
Diana Cuthbertson Parent Leadership Award: LaVonia Abavana
![Honoree Kelly Heyboer Star Ledger](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Honoree-Kelly-Heyboer-Star-Ledger.png)
Excellence in Media Award: Kelly Heyboer, Investigative Reporter and the Star-Ledger Editorial Board
![Honoree Assemblyman Dan Benson headshot](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Honoree-Assemblyman-Dan-Benson-headshot.jpg)
Power Through Policy Legislator Award Assemblyman Daniel Benson (Healthcare)
![Honoree Maria Rodriguez](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Honoree-Maria-Rodriguez.jpg)
Albert E. Pelham Employee Recognition Award: Maria Rodriguez
![Pennett_John-Headshot](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Pennett_John-Headshot.jpg)
Board of Directors Extraordinary Service Award: John Pennett
![Diana Head Shot 20193-01-01](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Diana-Head-Shot-20193-01-01.jpg)
Leadership Legacy Award: Diana Autin
Organizational Advocacy Leadership Award: NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice
SPAN Executive Co-Director, Diana Autin, who will be stepping down from her role on December 31, was also presented with a Leadership Legacy Award in recognition of her 28 years of leadership at SPAN and her many accomplishments on behalf of families, children and youth with the greatest need.
It was an evening of celebration with good food, great fellowship, and recognition of SPAN’s 35 years of impact.
Thank you to all who were able to attend!
Our Evening of Celebration
Special Tribute to Diana Autin
With Special thanks to our Sponsors
![Gala Sunset Thank You Twitter Graphic Final (Twitter Post) Thank You](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Gala-Sunset-Thank-You-Twitter-Graphic-Final-Twitter-Post.png)
Champion Sponsors
Questions? Please email events@spanadvocacy.org