Catholic Charities of Collier County

Catholic Charities USA honors Naples volunteer

 

Naples—Judith Wilson Sullivan was bestowed the Centennial Medal from Catholic Charities USA at the 26th Annual Emerald Ball on March 19 at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort. The award, a complete surprise to Mrs. Sullivan (photo right), was given to her by Jean Beil (photo left), senior vice president for programs and services of Catholic Charities USA, and Bishop Frank Dewane of the Diocese of Venice. Mrs. Sullivan and her husband, Joseph, also were honored with the James A. McTague Humanitarian Award for decades of service to Catholic Charities of Collier County.

 

Beil traveled from Washington, D.C. to present the prestigious Centennial Medal, which is given to individuals across the country for demonstrating a lasting impact on Catholic Charities. Mrs. Sullivan, a resident of Naples, is a long-time volunteer of Catholic Charities. She is the founder of the Emerald Ball which benefits the programs and services of Catholic Charities of Collier County.

 

Mrs. Sullivan is considered a pioneer as she was the first woman on the original Board of Directors for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.  After a hiatus, she again currently serves on the Board of Directors which is a testament to her commitment. She and her husband have resided in Naples for more than 40 years and Mrs. Sullivan also has served as a member of the Advisory Board of Catholic Charities of Collier County. Mrs. Sullivan founded the Emerald Ball 26 years ago, the major fundraising event for Catholic Charities of Collier County. She has either chaired or served on the ball committee every year and has secured more than $2 million through the event for programs and services for the needy in Collier County.

 

Mrs. Sullivan is Past President of the Collier County Medical Alliance and a member of the Florida Medical Alliance. Her community involvement also includes work with the Professional Givers Anonymous, The Conservancy of Naples, and the Audubon Society. Through Professional Givers Anonymous, Mrs. Sullivan has advocated for more than $100,000 to be given to Catholic Charities programs in Collier County that help poor migrant workers and their families with basic needs such as food, rent and utilities.

 

Volunteer educational activities also are a big part of Mrs. Sullivan’s life. She has served on the St. Ann School Board in Naples and, as a member of the St. William Council of Catholic Women, organized their first fashion show to raise funds for college scholarships. That event has been ongoing to this day. After traveling to Zambia, Mrs. Sullivan organized a local book drive and educational supplies were quickly sent to a small school in the Luangwa Valley. And, after a recent trip to Bhutan, Mrs. Sullivan launched a program that pairs community Catholic schools with a small rural school in Bhutan. Students in the Naples schools identify the needs of the children in Bhutan and raise money to provide books, school supplies, recreational equipment and much more.

 

Mrs. Sullivan has worked countless hours in supporting her community and Catholic Charities. Her tremendous work in fundraising is a key element to the success of Catholic Charities. Mrs. Sullivan’s passion for Catholic Charities and her community is always accomplished with humility, selflessness and a positive spirit. These attributes reflect the true mission of Catholic Charities.