The Spirit Of ChristmasAward Recipient Michael Rielly
It's with great joy that we announce that
Michael Rielly is the 2023
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS AWARD RECIPIENT.
Mike has been involved in the Bristol Community since he was a child, learning about giving to those in need and spreading the Spirit of Christmas, from his "Papa," James D. Rielly. Mike, a member of numerous community organizations, founded the James D. Rielly Foundation in 2017, to formalize the continuation of his Papa's life mission.
And, last year, as an outreach of the James D. Rielly Foundation, Mike spearheaded the Santa House, with a mission of creating magical Christmas experiences for children of all ages and abilities. Mike and his wife, Patricia, have been married for 24 years and have two children, Sean and Meghan.
About the Dottie Cordeiro Spirit of Christmas Award
The Dottie Cordeiro Spirit of Christmas Award is presented annually to a person or persons who exemplify and practice the meaning of Christmas year-round. Award recipients willingly give their time, effort and generosity of spirit and compassion for others.
The award is named for Dorothy “Dottie” Cordeiro who, along with Halsey Herreshoff, founded the Bristol Christmas Festival in 1987. It is presented annually to recognize Bristolians who exemplify the spirit and tradition of the Christmas season not only during the holidays but throughout the entire year.
Past Spirit of Christmas Award Recipients
2022 – Judy and Don Squires
2021 – Jennifer Mancieri and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bristol Fire Department
2020 – Paul Vollaro
2019 – Michael Hoffman
2018 – Rayona Clemens
2017 – Michael Byrnes
2016 – Bristol Rhode Island Police Department
2015 – Stan Dimock
2014 – Patti and Rick Baccus
2013 – Alfred Brazil
2012 – Dorothy Cordeio and Halsey Herreshoff
2011 – Mike Davis McGonagle
2010 – Joan Doyle Roth
2009 – Madeline Grimo
2008 – Nancy Horne
2006 – Roz Januario
2005 – Antonio "Tony" Teixeira
2004 – Walter Burke
2003 – Deacon Bernard Theroux
2002 – Santa Matrone
2001 – Bristol Rhode Island Fire Department
2000 – Donna and Herculano Falcoa
1999 – Robert Garcia
1998 – Lynn and Richard Luiz
1997 – Mickie and Gerry MacNeill