The Society of Stewards Dinner honoring donors for the 2012 House of Charity – Bishop’s Annual Appeal was celebrated at Auletto Caterers, Almonesson, Nov. 19. Speakers from three areas of support provided stories about how donations help them and others.
Pat Wirbick, coordinator of the Summer in the City program and Greg Coogan, director of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries escorted students who participated in the 2012 Summer in the City program. Zachery Bates, Kathleen Golden, Zachary LaBarth and John Peacock shared how their lives were changed when they, although sometimes reluctantly at first, gave a week of their summer vacation to help the seniors and the homeless in the shore communities. Zachary LaBarth shared how he has become inspired to give even more of his time in service for the poor as a result of his participation in the program.
Michelle and Mike Lemasney expressed how the Early Intervention Program with Our Lady of Lourdes Health System positively changed their son’s future with activities and therapy that have guided him and his family through challenging years of advocating for their son and his medical needs.
Jose Sanchez, director of Family and Community Centers for Catholic Charities shared how his experiences help him to understand why clients get so emotional when receiving donations of furniture and other critical items as they transition toward independence or work to get back on their feet after escaping lives of domestic violence.
Executive director Kevin Hickey was also on hand to provide updates on the Disaster Recovery efforts of Catholic Charities in the diocese.
The House of Charity – Bishop’s Annual Appeal donations help keep vital programs available to many who are unable to provide for their own basic, and sometimes extraordinary needs. With $6.5 million raised to date, the total raised still falls short of the $7.25 minimum need. Donations are accepted through each parish, or by mailing to the House of Charity at 631 Market St. Camden, NJ 08102. Gifts can also be made online through the secure website at www.camdendiocese.org and clicking the House of Charity link.
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