On Friday, December 6, 2013, the Irish International Immigrant Center (IIIC) will present its annual Solas Awards during a celebration at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Named from the Gaelic word for “light,” the Solas Awards are given to leaders whose work inspires and who are committed to giving back to their communities. At this year’s celebration the IIIC will be launching its 25th year serving immigrants from Ireland and around the world.
Raj Sharma will be one of those honored for his commitment to promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, and for his inspirational example of achievement and civic engagement as an immigrant himself. Past recipients of the Solas Award include Senator Edward Kennedy, President Clinton and Mary Robinson, past president of Ireland.
Mr. Sharma is a wealth manager, philanthropist, motivational speaker and an ardent advocate of promoting better social understanding to strengthen America's immigrant tradition. He came to the US in 1980 to pursue a Masters in Mass Communication and Film making, and after spending seven years in the field changed careers to become a financial advisor. Over the past two decades, he has been recognized as one of the country's top financial advisors and for five consecutive years as the number one advisor in Massachusetts. A firm believer in giving back to the community, Mr. Sharma is involved with several nonprofits in the Greater Boston area and beyond, including the American India Foundation, the Boston Harbor Island Alliance, and Youth Lead.
Find out what's happening in Sharonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Other recipients of the 2013 Solas Awards include Joyce and Bill Cummings, John (Jack) Joyce, and John Hailer.
About the Solas Awards Celebration:
· Friday, December 6, at JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston
· Reception will take place in the pavilion at 6:00 p.m.
· Dinner and Award presentations will follow at 7:00 p.m.
· Seats are $250 each, and include access to the Library at 5:30pm.
Find out what's happening in Sharonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
· To purchase seats or become an event sponsor, contact Mary Kerr at 617-695-1554 or mkerr@iiicenter.org, or visit iiicenter.org/solas-awards-2013/
About the Irish International Immigrant Center:
Founded in 1989, the Irish International Immigrant Center (www.iiicenter.org) assists immigrants from Ireland and from around the world as they integrate into American society, and with partner organizations, promotes reconciliation in Ireland. It is a vibrant, multi-service center that provides legal, wellness, and educations services, advocates for systemic change, and facilitates cross-cultural community building. In the past year, the IIIC has served over 2,400 low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylees from Ireland and 120 other countries, and young people from Ireland participating in learning exchange programs. Its vision is one of a shared society in which all people are welcomed and valued and enjoy equal opportunities, protections, and respect.
Funds raised through the Solas Awards Celebration will support the IIIC’s work reuniting families, empowering individuals to build better lives for themselves and their loved ones, and fostering communication and understanding across cultures here in Massachusetts and in Ireland. The Irish International Immigrant Center is delighted to count Arbella Insurance Foundation as Platinum Sponsor of this event.