Tricia Bergeron and the Portuguese American Club are this year’s recipients of the Spirit of the Vineyard Award.

The award, formerly sponsored by Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard and now given by Vineyard Village at Home, is given annually to a person or organization whose work has made a difference to the community. Selflessness, the range and depth of service, and the impact on Islanders are among the criteria for selection.

Ms. Bergeron was president of the PA Club for 22 years, and under her leadership the club became a gathering place for all Islanders.

The Portuguese American Club was founded in 1930, and Ms. Bergeron’s grandfather Bill Amaral was one of the founding members and her aunt Bobbi Ann Gibson was a past president. Ms. Bergeron and other PA Club members have worked long hours to bring people together and make money to give to others in the community. The club hosts the annual Holy Ghost Feast, mvy radio’s Big Chili Contest, and the Martha’s Vineyard Harley Riders “Run to the Rock,” as well as parties, family get togethers, fish dinners, weddings, dart tournaments, and other events. The club also hosts scholarship auctions and fundraisers, last year raising more than $42,000 in scholarship money for Island students.

The Spirit of the Vineyard Award will be given to Ms. Bergeron and the Portuguese American Club on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at the PA Club, which is located on Vineyard Avenue in Oak Bluffs. All are invited to attend.