It is with great pleasure that we announce the first annual Pedro Menendez Award to honor pioneering Spaniards in the Washington D.C. area. To be awarded annually, the Pedro Menendez Award will recognize Spaniards who, as pioneers in their respective fields, have blazed the trail here in Washington D.C. over the years and made a positive contribution to the local community in the areas of culture, commerce, and education. The award is named in honor of the sixteenth century Spanish naval officer and explorer, Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the first European known to have sailed any distance up the Potomac River—the place where Washington D.C.’s history itself begins. After his exploration along the Potomac, Admiral Menendez later went on to found St. Augustine, Florida—the first permanent European settlement and oldest port city in the continental United States.

Don’t miss The Society of Spain’s marquee event for SPAINDC—The Admiral Menendez Awards Dinner & Gala. Come celebrate with us “first-class” as we recognize Spaniards and other “Friends of Spain” who have over the years worked to strengthen the presence of Spain in the nation’s capital.

The Society of Spain cordially invites you to attend

THE ANNUAL ADMIRAL MENENDEZ AWARDS GALA & DINNER

Monday Evening, October 19, 2009
La Taberna del Alabardero
1776 I Street NW
Washington DC 20006
(Entrance On 18th Street, Between H and I)

Cocktails at 6:30pm, Dinner at 7:30pm (Coat & Tie)

See  Full Three-Course Dinner Menu

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The Menendez “Pioneer” Award

In recognition of Spaniards who as pioneers in their respective fields have over the years made a positive contribution to the Washington DC area in the areas of culture, commerce, and/or education.

Presented to: Alberto Avendaño, Associate Publisher – El Tiempo Latino

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The Menendez “Friend of Spain” Award

In recognition of individuals who live and work in the Washington D.C. area and have demonstrated through their work a special commitment to promoting Spain here in the Washington D.C. area.

Presented to: Don Harris, Founder & Owner – La Tienda (www.latienda.com)

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The Menendez “Amigo de España” Award

In recognition of individuals from the Latin American community who live and work in the Washington D.C. area and have demonstrated through their work a special commitment to and appreciation of Spain and its culture.

Presented to: Ana Margarita Chávez, General Consul of El Salvador

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Guest Speakers:

Chef Jose Andres, Thinkfood Group

Álvaro De Salas, General Consul of Spain

*** The Admiral Menendez Awards are named in honor of the sixteenth century Spanish naval officer and explorer, Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the first European known to have sailed any distance up the Potomac River—the place where Washington D.C.’s history itself begins. After his exploration along the Potomac, Admiral Menendez later went on to found St. Augustine, Florida—the first permanent European settlement and oldest port city in the continental United States.***

Tickets for Menendez Awards Gala 2009 at:
www.menendezaward.eventbrite.com
Please respond early as seating is limited.

Sponsored by:

The Society of Spain is a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit charitable organization.
The Society of Spain • Web: www.societyofspain.org •