Catholic Charities Providing help. Creating hope.

Catholic Charities Ball patrons
enjoy enchanted evening

Jugglers, stilt walkers and clowns greeted the more than 500 guests that attended the 19th Annual Catholic Charities Ball at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota. The event, themed An Enchanted Evening in Italy, was a masquerade dinner and dance co-chaired by Helen Nugent and Mary Kenealy-Barbetta.

Guest of Honor Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Diocese of Venice thanked ball patrons for providing help and creating hope for the people in need that Catholic Charities serves in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Students of the Cardinal Mooney High School Multimedia Club presented a video about the programs and services of Catholic Charities, which all ball proceeds will fund.

Silent and live auctions were part of the festivities. The live auction featured several getaways including New York City cooking classes and a two week excursion to Italy, along with two catered dinners with Bishop Dewane. Bob Harrigan, Chief Meteorologist at ABC 7, served as the auctioneer.

Photo #1: Bishop Dewane enjoys the Catholic Charities Ball in Sarasota with Jim Moore, former chairman of the board for Catholic Charities, far left, Helen Nugent, ball co-chairwoman, left of the Bishop, Mary Kenealy-Barbetta, ball co-chairwoman, right of the Bishop, and Catholic Charities President and CEO Peter Routsis-Arrroyo.

Photo #2: Circus Sarasota performers provided entertainment to patrons of the Catholic Charities Ball.

Photo #3: Father Fausto Stampiglia, pastor of St. Martha Parish is Sarasota, mingles with Eileen Donovan, bottom center, founder of the Catholic Charities Ball and other guests.

Photos provided by the Florida Catholic Newspaper.