Catholic Charities to hold 15th annual gala
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown, will hold its 15th annual gala 2-5 p.m. March 12 at DeSales University, 2755 Station Ave., Upper Saucon Township.
One of the largest human services organizations in the region, Catholic Charities provides vital services for thousands of individuals and families each year throughout Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties.
Catholic Charities helps those who are hungry, those battling mental health issues, veterans at risk of homelessness, families seeking refuge from the devastation of floods and other disasters, and adults and children in need of assistance, safety, and compassion.
Catholic Charities operates soup kitchens in Allentown and Pottsville, a community center in Allentown, and multiple food pantries. The agency helps everyone in the community: 75% of Catholic Charities clients are non-Catholic.
A primary source of funds for these programs and services is the agency’s annual gala, which this year will honor Father John Gibbons, pastor of Immaculate Conception B.V.M. and Sacred Heart of Jesus parishes in Allentown, and Paul and Patty Huck, parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Orefield and long-time supporters of Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Allentown.
Bishop Alfred Schlert will be in attendance, as well as Msgr. David James, vicar general for the Diocese of Allentown. The event will feature a live auction with diocesan “celebrity auctioneers,” a silent auction, wine pull, raffle, and presentations to the honorees.
Andrea and Damon Neagle will serve as gala chairpersons. Other committee members are Evelyn and Anthony Carfagno (past co-chairs,) Jane and Von George (past co-chairs,) Kristin Keenan, Zachary Konopka, Lisa Geosits, Murtaza Jaffer, Michele Mullikin, Ginny Downey, Pam Russo, Lori Mergel, Rob Nicolella, Robert Olney, and Julie Scheck.
Anyone can support Catholic Charities by attending the gala, becoming a sponsor, purchasing an advertisement in the gala program, or by making a direct gift. Go to www.catholicharitiesad.org, or contact Julie Scheck, at 610-435-1541, ext. 342, or 610-8715200, ext. 2216 or jscheck@allentowndiocese.org, for information.