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Catholic Charities Ball
Patriotic gala celebrates "Home"
Sarasota—A patriotic atmosphere prevailed at the 21st Annual Catholic Charities Ball on Saturday, January 30 at the Ritz Carlton Ballroom. Around 320 people attended the gala, called An Evening in America, which supported the services and programs of Catholic Charities of Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The theme of the event was “Home is where OUR heart is…”
After
a cocktail hour, guests were entertained by the West Coast Black
Theatre Troupe who sang “God Bless America,” “Amazing Grace,” “Stand
Up, God Bless the USA,” “Oh Happy Day,” and “His Truth is Marching
On.” A fine American-influenced dinner followed after a blessing
from Guest of Honor Bishop Frank J. Dewane. Chairwomen of the ball
included Helen Nugent, Mary Kenealy-Barbetta, Julie Delaney, and
Bridget Spiess.
In lieu of a Silent Auction, attendees were asked to offer pledges to help support the programs and services of Catholic Charities. Cardinal Mooney High School Director of Campus Ministry Sharon DeVeto shared a personal story about her childhood and how she received much needed assistance from Catholic Charities and her Catholic faith community. She invited those present to open their hearts and pledge to help others experiencing a crisis. Ms. DeVeto then sang a rousing liturgical song and was greeted to a standing ovation.
The
traditional “Dinner with the Bishop” was again the ever-popular
feature of the evening. Northern Trust Bank President Phil Delaney
led the live auction where four separate dinners were purchased by
ball patrons. Guests then danced to the music of Mainstream for the
remainder of the evening.
“Catholic Charities of Sarasota
and Manatee Counties is so grateful to our devoted community who
chose, in a very difficult economic year, to continue to support the
good work of our agency by giving so freely from their hearts,” said
Dr. Tam Sicard, District Director of Catholic Charities of Sarasota
and Manatee Counties. “So many of our neighbors remain in dire
need, asking for a hand-up and not a hand-out. We appreciate
our community support and we look forward to continuing our mission
of providing help, creating hope and serving all."
In Sarasota and Manatee Counties,
Catholic Charities offers HIV/AIDS ministries, elderly outreach, a
residential program for homeless mothers and their children, early
childhood education, financial assistance, refugee resettlement and
job placement, home ownership classes and foreclosure prevention,
immigration services, and professional counseling. For more
information, please call 941-379-9111.
Photo #1: Catholic Charities Ball Chairwomen Mary Kenealy-Barbetta (left to right) Helen Nugent, Bridget Spiess and Julie Delaney surround Guest of Honor Bishop Frank J. Dewane at the gala.
Photo #2: Catholic Charities Ball Committee Member Jewel Ash and her husband Mike enjoy “An Evening in America.”
Photo #3: Cardinal Mooney High School Director of Campus Ministry Sharon DeVeto sang for Catholic Charities Ball attendees.