Dear Friends of Porto,

As we close out the month of September, plans are in place for a very, very busy October and November. So...catch your breath...grab a pen...and get ready to mark up those calendars! This is The PCI Portal - Special Calendar Edition.  Here we go...

Wednesday, Oct 5 at 7:30 pm - Porto's Virtual Open House: You just finished going to the open house at your schools and here we come! So many changes are taking place within Porto that we wanted to invite you into our "virtual home" so we can fill you in on what's happening and you can ask us any questions that you might have. Sometimes the best way to find out what you need to know is to sit down and just have a conversation. We look forward to seeing you there! Just send an email to me at lrzepka@portocharities.org and l will send you the webinar link for Zoom.

Friday, Oct 7 - Porto's 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament: Good News and Bad News! The bad news is we have to tell you that the golf tournament at the Regency at Dominion Valley Golf Course in Haymarket, VA is SOLD OUT! (though that really is kind of good news!) The BETTER news is that you can still support our efforts by donating here.

Sunday, Oct 9 at 11:00 am - Bishop Burbidge's Annual Disability Awareness Mass at St. Mark's Parish in Vienna. You are invited to join us and the Bishop in celebration of disability awareness month. Porto will host a reception with the Bishop immediately following the Mass in St. Mark's Activities Center. All are welcome!

Thursday, Oct 20 at 7:30 am - Catholic Business Network of Northern Virginia (CBN-NOVA) The team here at Porto Charities will be the featured speakers at CBN-NOVA's breakfast meeting at Maggiano's in Tysons Corner. If you're a member of the CBN - NOVA, please join us that morning as we discuss Porto's impact on our Catholic community. For more information, please check the CBN-NOVA website here.

Monday, Oct 24 at 7:00 pm - "Growing Inclusion - Basilica of St. Mary's". Porto's Inclusion Webinar Series continues with an inside look on how a new inclusion program can get started at your local schools and parishes. Funded through a generous grant from the Maria Grazia Panaro Foundation. The registration link will be ready soon and we will let you all know.

Saturday, Nov 5 at 8:00 am - From Inclusion to Belonging - Embracing Disability as Part of the Church" - an in-person conference jointly sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Bishop O'Connell High School and Porto Charities. This half-day conference to be held at Bishop O'Connell High School is designed for clergy, catechists, youth ministers, volunteers, teachers, parents and students. This very special conference on inclusion will feature an inspiring keynote conversation, informative break-out sessions, an exhibition/networking area as well as a Welcome Address by Bishop Michael Burbidge who will also be the Celebrant at a sensory-friendly Mass immediately following the end of the conference proceedings. Pre-registration is required with a fee of only $10.00. You can access registration and see the full line-up of conference presenters here.

Thursday, Nov 10 at 7:00 pm - "Estate Planning for Persons with Special Needs and Their Families" presented by Kelly Thompson (Kelly A. Thompson, PCL) and Lamya Moosa (MWM Legal Group) . This will be the launch of a NEW series of webinars hosted by Porto's new Charitable Giving Committee. Details and registration info will be forthcoming so make sure you circle the date on your calendar.

Tuesday, Nov 29 - Giving Tuesday - the international day designated around the world asking everyone to support their local charities and non-profits. We were very blessed last year as Porto held our inaugural Giving Tuesday effort and loved all the home-made videos you sent in to participate in our Video Share-a-thon. Thank you for being so loyal and so generous. Well, the PCI team is at it again and working diligently on this year's idea! Details will be announced soon and we can't wait to see what you all do this year!

Special Sneak Peek!!!!

Saturday, Dec 3 - Porto's Annual Christmas Party!!! - Yes, it's back! After several years of dealing with the pandemic and everything that entailed, the annual Christmas Celebration will return and once again be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel. Lots of details to work out but please mark your calendars. Fun for kids of all ages! WE HAVE MISSED YOU!