Newman’s Own Foundation has established an annual grant in the name of the late Westport attorney Leo Nevas to support Achievement First Bridgeport Academy, it was announced today. 
Leo Nevas: Longtime Westport attorney. File photo
The gift honors Nevas, international human rights advocate, philanthropist, and community leader, who died last August at the age of 97. (See WestportNow Aug. 27, 2009)
On June 11, family, friends and colleagues of Nevas presented Achievement First with the inaugural grant from the Leo Nevas Memorial Fund, a Newman’s Own news release said.
The fund was established at the Fairfield County Community Foundation by Newman’s Own Foundation. Nevas helped his longtime friend Paul Newman launch Newman’s Own and the Hole in the Wall camps.
Nevas was committed to equal educational opportunities for all, and advised and supported Achievement First since its inception, Newman’s Own said.
The grant provides scholarships to 10 Achievement First students, and book purchases for the library.
The students include fifth graders Anthony Maldonado, Michael Martinez, Cyrus Medas; sixth graders Israel Martell, Erika Pettway, Anabell Pichardo-Mercado; and seventh graders Desiar Badgett, Monica Collazo, Terrell Saunders, and Nathaniel Torres.
“Leo Nevas worked tirelessly to promote philanthropy both at home and abroad,” said Bob Forrester, president of Newman’s Own Foundation.
“He was particularly invested in educational opportunities for all students. Today we honor his legacy with the Leo Nevas Memorial Fund that recognizes extraordinary academic achievement and the spirit of excellence, which he embodied.”
