The Community Chest of Port Washington has selected Port Washington resident Blanca Fabian as the 2015 Citizen of the year.
Fabian will be honored at a ceremony on April 18 at 7:30 p.m., at the Port Washington Public Library, in the Lapham Room.
“When I received the telephone call I was in disbelief, I am extremely happy and excited to be the first Latino person nominated,” Fabian said.
Officials said Fabian was selected as the 2015 Citizen of the Year because of her contributions to the Port Washington community.
“It all began with my children, being actively involved in my children lives I started off in the parent teachers association then enrolled them in the Port Washington Community Action Council and learned of the different services for youth as well as the senior citizens programs, immigration assistance and other services they provide for the low-income community. I am currently the vice chairperson for the Port Washington CAC for many years,” Fabian said. “I am a devout Catholic and I’ve always assisted with mass services and currently teaches in the religious education program.”
Fabian arrived in the United States in 1978 from El Salvador and acquired her citizenship 1987.
Since coming to Port Washington, Blanca has volunteered with churches and local organizations, often joining their boards of directors. Blanca is currently a member of the St. Peter of Alcantara Church Parish Council. She also teaches in the religious education program and is a member of the Evangelization Ministry.
In 1997, Blanca joined the board of directors of Port Washington Community Action Council and Cow Bay Housing, and she continues to assist both groups today.
Blanca is also a board member of the Community Economic Development Corporation, the Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County and Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington.
In addition, Blanca volunteers for the Port Washington/Manhasset Chapter of Cancer Care and is the president of the “Family & Friends Council” at the Sands Point Center for Health & Rehabilitation.
The Town of North Hempstead and Nassau County have also recognized Blanca for her community service.
“It was important to me that I improve my community not only for my children but for the children of my neighbors and friends,” Fabian said. “I also want to show my children how important it is to be involved and improve your community and give back in whatever ways they can.”
Fabian said her greatest accomplishment is establishing services for those in need.
“Being involved is not about the money. You can accomplish anything if you work hard enough,” she said.
The Community Chest’s Citizen of the Year Award recognizes a lifetime of outstanding volunteer service on behalf of the citizens of Port Washington and has been awarded annually since 1969.
The Community Chest of Port Washington Citizen of the Year ceremony and reception are free and all members of the community are invited to attend. To honor Blanca and to raise money for its grantee organizations, the Community Chest prepares a Journal and invites community members to support the journal.
For more information on the event, or to RSVP, contact the Community Chest at (516) 767-2121 or info@portchest.org.
