CHCI TO HONOR BROOKLYN COMMUNITY MATRIARCH AND NATIONAL CULTURAL ICON MARIA ANTONIA “TOÑITA” CAY WITH THE MEDALLION OF EXCELLENCE AT THE 49TH ANNUAL AWARDS GALA

Washington, D.C. – September 8, 2026 – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) is proud to announce that it will recognize Maria Antonia “Toñita” Cay as the 2026 Medallion of Excellence honoree during its annual celebration to honor the nation’s most remarkable Latino leaders at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

The Medallion of Excellence is presented each year to individuals who have dedicated their careers to improving the lives of Hispanic Americans.

“Toñita has spent more than fifty years giving Puerto Ricans in Brooklyn a place to call home, even as the neighborhood around her has undergone significant changes over that time. CHCI is honored to recognize a life devoted entirely to community.” Said CHCI Chair Rep. Darren Soto.

“Toñita built something rare: a space that has held onto its culture and its people through five decades of change. That kind of grounded, persistent leadership is exactly what CHCI celebrates with the Medallion of Excellence.” Said Marco A. Davis, CHCI President and CEO.

“Gracias por este reconocimiento. Para mí, el honor más grande siempre ha sido servir a mi comunidad. Me llena el corazón ver a los míos alimentaditos, felices y con salud. Recibo este reconocimiento con mucho cariño y lo comparto con toda mi gente. ¡Dios los bendiga! [Thank you for this recognition. For me, the greatest honor has always been serving my community. It fills my heart to see my people well-fed, happy, and healthy. I receive this recognition with great affection and share it with all my people. God bless you all!]” Toñita Said

For more than five decades, María Antonia “Toñita” Cay, has been the heart and soul of the Caribbean Social Club, a legendary Puerto Rican venue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. What began as a gathering place for her baseball team, “Los Caribbeans,” grew into a living refuge where generations have come together through music, food, games, and tradition.

Throughout those years, Toñita has made it a personal mission to make sure that no one in her community went without a meal. Her tradition of preparing and sharing food with those in need has become a defining expression of her generosity and love for others.

Her warmth, authenticity, and unwavering dedication have made her an enduring symbol of Latino culture in New York. Her story garnered national attention through appearances and features connected to Bad Bunny, the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, her own festival, Toñita Fest, and other cultural platforms.

Despite the growing attention, Toñita remains grounded in the belief that the greatest honor is not recognition, but being able to serve her people. Her legacy lives in the generations who have found community, nourishment, friendship, and a lasting sense of belonging because of her service.

Sponsorship opportunities for the CHCI Awards Gala are available. Please email development@chci.org for more information.  

Press credentials and interview requests with select honorees, performers, and CHCI leadership may be available upon request by emailing press@chci.org.

ABOUT CHCI The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) is the premier Hispanic, nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization in the country, dedicated to developing the next generation of Latino leaders®. CHCI provides leadership, public service, and policy experiences to outstanding Latino/a/e students and young professionals, and convenes Members of Congress, other public officials, corporate executives, nonprofit advocates, and thought leaders to discuss issues facing the nation and the Hispanic community.

Visit CHCI.org and follow us @CHCIDC on social media.

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