North America Wales Heritage Award and Gala Banquet
Highlighting the accomplishments of Welsh Americans
Location: The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel,
                 333 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE 68508
Friday September 1, 2023, 7:00pm - 10:00pm.
Ticket Required, not covered by a NAFOW Pass ~  $70.00.  [menu]  Preassigned seating required.  Attire ~ Semi Formal
This annual gala evening is co-sponsored by the North America Wales Foundation (NAWF) and the Welsh North American Association (WNAA) and will honor the 2023 recipient of the NAWF Welsh Heritage Medallion, the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project.  Following the award presentation, entertainment by Lisa Dafydd, the 2022 recipient of the coveted Osborne Roberts Blue Riband Memorial Award at the National Eisteddfod in Wales.
Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project The Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project is the only cultural resource in the United States dedicated to interpreting the cultural legacy of Welsh immigrants on the Great Plains. We reveal this history as told by the settlers themselves through their own words, images and artifacts.
Lisa Dafydd is a native of Ruthin, North Wales, and grew up singing with local community choirs. As she grew older, she decided to move to Manchester to study for an undergraduate degree in vocal studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. This experience provided Lisa with many opportunities to perform in operas, concerts, and recitals while there. Lisa is currently a master’s student at the Royal Academy of Music under the guidance of her tutors, Mary Nelson and Iain Ledingham.
Established in 1980, the North America Wales Foundation was the initiative of several individuals, inspired by the late Jack K. Evans, a native of Wales. The Foundation has a commitment to preserve, share and promote the common culture and traditions of Wales and North America.  The NAWF has distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in awards over the years and runs an annual scholarship and grant program. Its highest honor, the Heritage Medallion, is awarded to individuals or organizations distinguished by their contributions to North American Welsh life.
PLEASE NOTE:  *You must have your seating preassigned to attend the banquet. Please bring your banquet ticket, and those in the party you would like to sit with, to the registration area to reserve your place.  Banquet seating selection will be available throughout the hours that the Registration Desk is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. [see menu]