Catholic Charities Providing Help. Creating Hope. Serving All.

High school students receive new camera
from Catholic Charities Ball patron

Sarasota—The 2008 Catholic Charities Ball was a record fund-raising success for the programs of Sarasota and Manatee counties, but the event also benefited a group of students at Cardinal Mooney High School.

Ball goers and benefactors D.R. and Rita Zaccone were impressed by the video presentation that premiered at the gala and inquired about the creators of the project. When they discovered the Mixed-Media Club from the local Catholic high school put together the video about Catholic Charities with borrowed, older equipment--they were even more inspired.

The Zaccones, through their family foundation, donated new camera equipment to the Mixed-Media Club at Cardinal Mooney High School because they believe in “giving people the tools they need to succeed.”

Ball Chairperson Helen Nugent presented the generous donation to the students on behalf of the Zaccones. “They want to help you to continue to get the word out to the community about the good works of Catholic Charities,” Nugent said.

The students used their own creativity and their own words in the video to describe the diverse programs and services that Catholic Charities offers in Sarasota and Manatee counties.  The presentation was narrated by ABC 7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan and included video and still pictures of Catholic Charities staff, volunteers and clients on location, along with background music.

Christine Francoeur, a member of the Mixed-Media Club, said she learned “that there were so many things that Catholic Charities does.”

Olivia Maleki, also a member of the club, was impressed by how many people the organization assists in the community. “Catholic Charities reaches out to every place and everybody, no matter who they are,” she said.

Other members of the Mixed-Media Club include Ian el Homsi, Konrad Coutinho, Dylan Harris, Thomas Diffley, Natasha Grabowski and Brenden Nowak. Chris Hall was the faculty advisor in charge of the project.

Nugent invited the students to be involved in next year’s ball with another creative project.  The Catholic Charities 20th Anniversary Ball will be held Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota. Hosted by Bishop Frank J. Dewane, the gala will be themed "An Evening in Ireland."

All proceeds will support services and programs for those in need in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The ball committee invites the community to join them for a festive evening amid the splendor and charm of Ireland. Sponsorship packages are available. Tickets are $235 per person.

For more information, please call Catholic Charities at 941-379-5119 or email cathcharsrq@comcast.net.

Photo: Catholic Charities Ball Chairperson Helen Nugent (left) presents Chris Hall, Cardinal Mooney High School teacher and advisor to the Mixed-Media Club, and students Christine Francoeur and Olivia Maleki new camera equipment donated by ball patrons.