90 Years Strong: Gala Raises Record Support for Local Families

Thank you to all who supported our 90th Anniversary Gala on November 15th. Special thanks to our Champion sponsor Ron Courtney. We also thank our Legacy of Hope, Beacon of Light, and Neighborhood Advocate sponsors. We thank our speakers, who told the story of our work and why it matters.

With record-breaking sponsor support, we were able to cover event costs and nearly double our fundraising goal, which means more support going directly to help our neighbors in Alameda and Contra Costa counties who come to us in their time of need.

Read more about the Gala and enjoy event pictures here: Haute Living San Francisco

Watch the video that tells the story of Catholic Charities Today

We deeply appreciate everyone who came together to support this milestone anniversary.

A Mother's Strength

How YOU Helped Keep a Family Housed

When Ramona’s husband was hospitalized after a sudden injury, her family’s world turned upside down. With four children — including an eldest son who is unable to walk or speak and who experiences seizures — Ramona tried to keep the household afloat with irregular housecleaning work, even as her own back injuries worsened.

Rent went unpaid. Food ran short. Eviction loomed.

A caring friend encouraged Ramona to call Catholic Charities. That call connected her with Jeanette, Catholic Charities' compassionate housing case manager who listened with empathy and found a way to help.

Catholic Charities provided emergency rental assistance, food support, and essential resources so the family could stay safely housed.

“At Catholic Charities, they look for a way to help people,” Ramona shared. “And they listen with empathy.”

Jeanette sees Ramona’s resilience every day: “She wants to be strong and give her children a good education and a hopeful future.”

Thanks to supporters like you, families facing unexpected crises are met with compassion and a path forward.

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No Child Should Go to Bed Hungry

In November, Catholic Charities announced a food assistance initiative to help families and seniors without the resources to put food on the table. Since it began, Catholic Charities has provided food assistance to 175 of our neighbors in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Nearly half of that went to families with children. Assistance is provided through grocery store debit cards from affordable stores found throughout our neighborhoods. The cards are valid for food and necessary hygiene supplies, including paper towels and dishwashing liquid. This effort is made possible by YOU and your support.

Getting Ready for Joy Bells

Catholic Charities' annual Joy Bells Christmas giving event is just around the corner!

Our team has been hard at work preparing for this beloved tradition, which ensures families who might otherwise go without gifts under the tree can experience the joy of Christmas. This heartwarming effort wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors, volunteers, parishes, and schools. A special thanks to Kids Bike Lane, and the National Charity League of Oakland-Piedmont.

This week, students from St. Isidore Catholic School in Danville joined our team to load beautifully wrapped gifts into our van. These gifts will be provided to families on December 13, bringing smiles and spreading the true light of the season.

Thank you to all who volunteered to be a part of helping us make this Christmas unforgettable for local families!

One More Thank You to our Gala Sponsors

Champion Sponsor

Mr. Ron Courtney

LEGACY OF HOPE

DePorres Unit Catholic Charities Auxiliary and St Monica Church

Phyllis Lee

BEACON OF LIGHT

Raymond and Mary Bertolotti

Steve and Alison Burke

John and Nancy Cecconi

Wilcox Family Foundation

Make a Difference: Volunteer

Every day, hundreds of our neighbors in the East Bay turn to Catholic Charities for hope and help — and volunteers like you make that possible.

Our volunteers tell us that giving their time and talents doesn’t just transform lives; it enriches their own. When you volunteer with us, you’ll join a welcoming community of people who believe in compassion, service, and lasting change.

If you’re ready to share your gifts and make a real impact, we’d love to have you on our team.

Learn more and sign up at our Volunteers page at cceb.org.

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