Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.

Catholic Charities staff to be honored
at Venetian Charity Ball

By Judy Bokorney
Web Site Editor

Fort Myers—The 19 employees of Catholic Charities of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties will be honored at the 5^th annual Venetian Charity Ball for their willingness to live the mission of the organization everyday.

Each year the annual event honors a person who has enthusiastically served Catholic Charities. However, this year the agency’s ball planners and advisory board members felt compelled to give recognition to the staff who has worked tirelessly to help every person that comes through the doors looking for assistance.

“The staff works as a team to make sure every client gets the help they need,” said Diane Barnes, district director of Catholic Charities of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. “They never turn anyone away.”

“They chose their profession because they really do believe in the mission of serving the needy in our community,” said Barnes. “They are not in this business to make money.” Social service providers are traditionally one of the lowest paid professionals, according to Barnes.

The average number of clients that receives help is 600 per day. With only 19 staff members, Barnes said they rely on each other and the volunteers to make sure all clients make it to the ultimate goal of self sufficiency.

“Most clients come to see us many times until they are able to care for themselves,” Barnes said. “The staff has a vested interest in them.”

Catholic Charities programs in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties focus on self empowerment for the client by providing direct assistance, a variety of education programs for children and adults, a summer youth program, translation services, case management, employment assistance, counseling, immigration and citizenship services, services for pregnant women, crisis intervention, community outreach, support/advocacy and special holiday projects.

Proceeds from the Venetian Charity Ball will directly benefit these programs. According to Ball Chair Ada Trapanese, the event raised $52,000 last year for Catholic Charities and this year’s goal is $70,000.

The ball will be held Saturday, January 31, 2004 at the Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa. A silent auction and reception will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. An open bar will be offered during that hour and valet parking will be free. Auction items include vacation packages, original artwork, golf packages, jewelry, and items for teens and children. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. and the popular band Alter Ego will provide music. Tickets are $125 and tables for ten people are available. Transportation can be arranged for those who are unable to drive. A portrait photographer will be on hand at the event.

“We are so pleased to honor the staff this year at the ball,” said Trapanese. “They are the core of Catholic Charities. We are nothing without them.” Trapanese added that several staff members have been through the same experiences as some of the clients and can relate to their needs such as migrating to a new country and achieving citizenship.

“The purpose of the charity ball is to raise money to be able to grow the programs that assist our community,” said Trapanese. “We also want to celebrate and honor all the supporters of Catholic Charities.”

Past honorees of the Venetian Charity Ball include Father Thomas Goggin, Father Thomas Anglim, Bishop John J. Nevins, and Eileen Dhooghe McIltrot.

Sponsorships for the 2004 Venetian Charity Ball are still available. For reservations to attend the event or to inquire about sponsorship, please call Catholic Charities at 239-334-4007. Proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties.

 
Photo: Diane Barnes (right), District Director of Catholic Charities of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties, and Ball Chair Ada Trapanese decided to honor the staff of Catholic Charities at the annual Venetian Charity Ball.