Greetings!  

Show of Shows

Venice--The Atlantic City Boys (above) performed at the 9th Annual Sugar Bowl Show of Shows to a sold-out crowd at the Venice Performing Arts Center. The fundraiser was co-chaired by Dick Maier (left. below) seen in the photo with his wife Jean and Dennis Strittmatter (right, below) seen in the photo with his wife Dotty. The event was hosted by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. and the local Knights of Columbus councils and benefits the Sugar Bowl Fund. Since 2007, 350 families with 725 children in a financial crisis have been helped by the fund. A total of $185,884 has been distributed to families who are at risk of becoming homeless. Thank you for attending the show!

 

Publix Charities 

Catholic Charities staff Mary Shaughnessy (left to right) Allegra Belliard, and Rita Perez with Brian West of Publix.

Collier County--Catholic Charities received two grants from Publix Super Market Charities for programs and services in Naples and Immokalee. 

The Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities in Naples received $20,000 from Publix to support the Weekend Power Pack Food Program that feeds needy elementary students, the Choice Food Pantry, and cooking and food demonstration education classes for clients of the food pantry. 

In Immokalee, Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities was awarded $26,500 from Publix. The grant will be used to purchase a vehicle to distribute food to the rural and outlying areas of the city which are under-served due to the long distance from the Catholic Charities center.

"We are just so grateful to Publix to support these food programs that provide the basic necessities to so many in need in our communities," said Catholic Charities District Director Mary Shaughnessy.

Halloween Fun

Boca Grande--Halloween was not scary at the Boca Grande Child Care Center of Catholic Charities this year! The children ages one- to five-years-old enjoyed a day full of fun and games along with sweet treats to celebrate the holiday. The preschoolers also paraded around the center to show off their costumes to the neighborhood.

Donated Sweatshirts

Fort Myers-- San Carlos St. Francis Xavier Knights of Columbus Council 2596 members Lou Nadreau (left to right), Jose Padilla, and Catherine Garcia stopped by Catholic Charities in Fort Myers today to deliver 31 hoodie sweatshirts to District Director Charles Anderson. The clothing will be given to students in the Positive Youth Development Program of Catholic Charities. Thank you for your generosity!

Autumn  Celebration

Arcadia--Casa San Juan Bosco of Catholic Charities farm worker housing community held a 2nd Annual Fall Festival with more than 125 parents and children in attendance. All were in costume to celebrate Halloween!

Community partners such as Wells Fargo, the DeSoto County Health Department, HIPPY, Family Services Center a nd the Literacy Council were present to offer informatio n. 

Residents performed with traditional Latino, Hawaiian, and country western dance routines. A costume contest was held for the children with Mickey Mouse, a mermaid and a lion receiving the top honors, along with games and prizes, a trunk or treat, and hot dogs. 

"It was a good time had by all," said Catholic Charities Director Andy Herigodt.

For more information about Casa San Juan Bosco of Catholic Charities, please call 863-494-1068.

 

Tim and Bianca McConaghy (left to right) with Catholic Charities staff Marisa Zorger, Joyce Scott, Nikki Cole and Peter Routsis-Arroyo.

Sarasota--The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Southwest Florida Chapter celebrated National Philanthropy Day by honoring volunteers throughout the community.

The volunteers were recognized at a luncheon held at Michael's On East. Bianca McConaghy of Our Mother's House of Catholic Charities was one of the honorees. She has been a volunteer since 2013 at the residential program for homeless mothers and their children. Bianca offers her service in the on-site day care center. 

"Bianca demonstrates outstanding character and is deserving of this honor," said Catholic Charities Volunteer Coordinator Marisa Zorger. "Bianca accomplishes far more than the typical day to day reading, playing, rocking, and feeding of the children. Her maternal nature helps the children feel cared for and safe. We are humbled to know her and proud to honor her."

Since 1987, Our Mother's House of Catholic Charities has helped over 500 mothers and their children work toward attaining self-sufficiency. For more information about volunteering at the program, call Marisa at 941-355-4680.

Bella Vita Contribution

Venice--Residents at Bella Vita Senior Living donated and sold items to raise money for programs and services of Catholic Charities. Resident Council Treasurer Paul Zielinski (left) and Resident Council President Jerry Smith (right) presented Catholic Charities CEO Peter Routsis-Arroyo with a check for $500. "It is our pleasure to make the donation on behalf of all the residents at Bella Vita," said Smith.