PROVIDING HELP. CREATING HOPE. SERVING ALL.
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WINTER 2017
E-NEWS
SERVING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Greetings!  

We invite you to take a few minutes to learn more about the work of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. If you have any questions, reply and let us know. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your colleagues, friends and family.  

Event Season 
Phil and Julie Delaney (left to right), Bishop Frank Dewane, Peter Routsis-Arroyo, and Jane and Sam Norton at the Catholic Charities Ball Holiday Sponsor Party.

Sarasota--The Catholic Charities Ball Holiday Sponsor Party held at the Field Club officially started the event season for Catholic Charities. There are several exciting fundraisers happening throughout Southwest Florida during the coming months. We hope to see you at a Catholic Charities event!

January 28
Catholic Charities Ball in Sarasota
February 4
Sugar Bowl Show of Shows in Bradenton
February 11
Teach a Man to Fish Gala in Englewood
February 23
Our Mother's House Wine Tasting in Venice
February 25
Bethesda House Mardi Gras Madness in Sarasota
March 4
Boots and Bandannas in Port Charlotte
March 5
Venice Veterans Salute in Venice
March 11
Emerald Ball in Naples
April 1
Venetian Charity Ball in Fort Myers
April 21
Charity Golf Classic in Fort Myers

Bike Giveaway


Venice--Every year Rich Carroll and his generous friends along with the Venice Police Department host the Venice Bike Giveaway for local children in need. Santa made an appearance to distribute bicycles and gifts to the young ones. A total of 14 children from the Refugee Resettlement Program of Catholic Charities received a new bike and other surprises. The Venice High School baseball team acted as Santa's helpers this year. Your giving made this holiday special for our refugee families!
Day of Caring


Fort Myers--Fred Stewart (left) and Sue O'Donnell (right) from a group called "A Day of Caring" stopped by Catholic Charities to give District Director Chuck Anderson (center) a check for $3,400. The money was used to buy Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys to place in the holiday food baskets. "A Day of Caring" is a non-profit organization comprised of three communities which include Pine Lakes Country Club, Lake Fairways, and Tara Woods all of Fort Myers. Each of the communities conducted a fundraising campaign to raise money to help feed people who are less fortunate. Thank you for caring!
Christmas Angels


Sarasota--Students from St. Mary Academy adopted the children who attend St. Martha's Early Learning Center of Catholic Charities for Christmas. Every preschooler enrolled at the center received Christmas gifts from the generous St. Mary Academy families. The elementary students delivered the items along with some sweet treats for a holiday celebration. Your kindness is much appreciated!  
Students Helping Students 


Naples-- The students at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School collected and donated food for the Weekend Power Pack Food Program at the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities. Throughout the school year, the program feeds hundreds of hungry, homeless children over the weekend with nutritious food items. Your efforts support a worthy cause!
Welcome Wagon
 
North Port--Newly resettled refugee families from Ukraine received a warm welcome from the community. Fourth grade students at Toledo Blade Elementary School in North Port created "Welcome to Florida" posters for the children of the refugee families and furniture donations were received to help the families begin their new life in Southwest Florida. We applaud your kindness to the clients of the Refugee Resettlement Program of Catholic Charities!

Tour of Lights


Fort Myers--The AFCAAM of Catholic Charities Youth Mentoring Program took a field trip to the Holiday Nights at the Thomas Edison Home. The highlight of the evening was the newly added Waltzing Waters attraction that featured colorful and creative displays of water dancing to the joyful sounds of Christmas music. The youth program is funded though the U.S. Department of Juvenile Justice for students ages 9 to 17 who are matched one-on-one with a mentor for two hours a week.
Sassy Sisters


Venice--Sassy Sisters, Inc. adopted Our Mother's House of Catholic Charities this year and donated $3,866 to the program that serves homeless mothers and their children. Our Mother's House Program Director Joyce Scott (left to right) was presented the gift from Kari Myroniuk and Kim Smith. Sassy Sisters Inc. is an informal group of savvy and successful women who are committed to building relationships, growing their business and helping others do the same. Thank you for your generosity!
Sharing Cheer


Sarasota--About a hundred women in Sarasota gathered for the 13th annual Sharing Christmas Cheer event that benefits Catholic Charities in DeSoto County. A bag full of personal care items was brought by each attendee to the holiday party. The toiletries will be distributed to the needy in Arcadia throughout the year. Catholic Charities Program Director Sister Ann DeNicolo (center) is flanked by hostesses Jacqueline Kelly (left to right), Vicki Doyle, Jane Norton, Cindy Mercurio, Kim Underdahl and Gretchen Kennelly. We love your Christmas spirit!
Honoring Volunteers


Venice--Catholic Charities volunteers were honored at the annual Volunteer Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane. Catholic Charities greatly depends upon the work of volunteers. Our mission of serving others is accomplished through your help. Thank you for all you do for Catholic Charities!

CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE OF VENICE, INC.
1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34285


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