Donors give more than $545,000 to those in need
Jesse Boeckermann (far left), director of Catholic Charities’ Western Region Office, along with Gerry Carter (far right), executive director of Catholic Charities, congratulate Meagan Leimena and Alicia Heacock, who were awarded the Spirit of Hope award for their work leading Babies Need Bottoms – an organization that addresses diaper needs for families across western North Carolina.CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities recently opened its 75th anniversary celebrations with three annual fundraisers that highlighted the impact of its work and recognized volunteers and partners who have made a difference in the Diocese of Charlotte.
Western region raises $105,000
On May 8, 175 people gathered for Catholic Charities’ Western Region Office’s annual Spirit of Hope banquet at the DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore. Organizers highlighted Catholic Charities’ impact on the community and raised $105,000 as of mid-May.
“The funds raised through the 2024 Spirit of Hope will give us the opportunity to serve more people and have a bigger impact through our programs, which include case management, clinical mental health counseling, refugee resettlement, burial assistance, food pantry, immigration, and direct assistance including financial assistance and Wee Care Shoppe (diaper ministry),” says Jesse Boeckermann, director of Catholic Charities’ Western Region Office.
“These funds will ensure that our programs are properly staffed and supported with the supplies we need to serve people in need with compassion,” he adds.
Meagan Leimena and Alicia Heacock won the Spirit of Hope award for their work leading Babies Need Bottoms, an organization that addresses diaper needs for families across western North Carolina.
The Distinguished Service Awards went to the outgoing Western Region Office advisory board chair, Tim Kelley, and a former AmeriCorps VISTA team member, Kristen Pollock.
“Tim’s nine years of board service, many as board chair and recorder, along with his commitment to Catholic Charities and his volunteering with the Knights of Columbus and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Candler, make him an amazing man worthy of a special award,” Boeckermann says.
“The year of service that Kristen gave to our office, contributing so much to our team and being such a great person, gave me the opportunity to recognize her for her dedication to Catholic Charities.”
Charlotte event raises $166,000
Kerry Alys RobinsonOn April 25, Catholic Charities of Charlotte honored volunteers and showcased the impact of its work before a crowd of nearly 300 supporters at the Vineyard of Hope event at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte. As of mid-May, the event has raised more than $166,000.
“Catholic Charities is not just an organization but a beacon of hope for thousands of vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Charlotte region. I am constantly reminded of the impact of our work when I hear the powerful stories of those who have triumphed over adversity, like those who shared their experiences at our Vineyard of Hope fundraiser,” says Debra Lemmon, regional director for Catholic Charities’ Charlotte office.
The Fruit of the Vine Award was given to the Refugee Mentoring Ministry at St. Peter Catholic Church, and Peter Fernandez received the Volunteer of the Year award.
“As the vineyard metaphor implies, this event is about cultivation. It reflects our intentional effort to establish an environment where individuals facing adversity can not only grow and thrive but also discover their own path to transformation,” Lemmon adds.
“It serves as a reminder that through collaboration, we have the ability to cultivate a landscape where the shared goodwill of a community becomes the catalyst for individual empowerment, resilience, and the flourishing of countless lives.”
Kerry Alys Robinson, the new president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, delivered inspiring remarks highlighting philanthropy’s value as a spiritual service.
Piedmont Triad raises $274,000
Catholic Charities of the Piedmont Triad hosted its annual Partners in Hope fundraiser April 4 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem. Nearly 400 supporters joined Catholic
Charities in paying tribute to individuals who have shown a commitment to aiding those in need in the Piedmont Triad and so far have helped raise $274,000.
Tom Griffiths, a devoted volunteer who has supported Catholic Charities since he relocated to Winston-Salem four years ago, received the esteemed Bishop William G. Curlin Award.
“Tom so wonderfully represents the ideals associated with the ministry of Bishop Curlin,” says Gerry Carter, executive director of Catholic Charities. “When I first contacted Tom, his immediate response was, ‘Why should I be honored for doing something that we are all called to do?’ That’s Tom – carrying out the call to charity simply because that’s what we are all supposed to do.”
— Annie Ferguson