Justice for ALL honorees announced

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, Inc., today announced the 2011 Justice for ALL honorees:

— Ron Evans, who helped establish Camden Churches Organized for People;

— Jim and Lynn Cummings of Neighbors Empowering Pennsauken,

— Msgr. Michael Mannion, director of Community Relations for the Diocese of Camden

— The Ravitz Family from Generation to Generation.

In its eighth year, the Justice for ALL Dinner recognizes individuals and groups who exemplify outstanding spirit of community, social justice and goodwill. The 2010 Justice for ALL dinner raised more than $100,000, which in turn, enabled Catholic Charities to provide direct assistance to end crises, create stabilization within families, prevent eviction and utility disconnection, fulfill prescription needs and provide food to more than 1,800 families and individuals throughout the diocese.

Each year, awards are given in the areas of leadership, parish/community ministry, social ministry and social justice.

“Mother Teresa taught us that to keep a lamp burning, we need to keep putting oil into it,” said Kevin Hickey, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, Inc.

“The 2011 JFA honorees have each kept the light of charity and justice burning through their service and commitment to the poor, the vulnerable and those without a voice. Jewish tradition reminds us that when we save one life, we save the world. Catholic teaching reminds us that we are all in solidarity with one another as the Body of Christ. We are grateful to our honorees for witnessing to these truths,” he said.

Ron Evans of Camden is the recipient of The Peter J. O’Connor Award for Social Justice

Twenty years ago, Ron Evans, a lifelong resident of Camden, a Korean War Veteran and a retired employee of the U.S. Department of Labor, was searching for a way to address the growing problems in his community. Evans, who had been involved in numerous community initiatives from the 1950s to the 1970s, established the PICO affiliate Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP) which works to address the problems of unemployment, crime, inadequate housing and healthcare as well as the unmet needs of youth, senior citizens, families and congregations in the city.

Jim and Lynn Cummings of Pennsauken are the recipients of The Msgr. Michael Doyle and Msgr. Robert McDermott Award for Parish and Community Ministry

Belief in family and partnership has been a theme in the lives of Jim and Lynn Cummings Whether they are ministering to their community family through Neighbors Empowering Pennsauken, ministering to their parish family through their participation in the Worldwide Marriage Encounter, or ministering to the Cummings family and their legacy through passions like Build Jake’s Place, they are doing it as a couple.

Msgr. Michael Mannion of Pennsauken is the recipient of The Sister Grace Nolan Award for Social Ministry

Msgr. Mannion has been involved in many ministries over the course of his career. As former rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden, he established strong relationships with area community leaders, non-profits and law enforcement agencies. Active in pro-life work, both in the diocese and internationally, he has worked with the diocesan Pro Life Office and as a moderator for Project Rachel, a ministry to women who have had abortions. Another of his passions in the service of others is his work with Discovery Ministries, a retreat program for youth, young adults and families.

The Ravitz Family from Generation to Generation of Cherry Hill is the recipient of The Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Award for Leadership

Through the Ravitz Family Foundation, generations of the Ravitz’s have been aiding children and families in need in Southern New Jersey since 1996. The Ravitz family – owners of Supermarkets of Cherry Hill, Inc., which operates six ShopRite supermarkets in the area – support local charitable organizations, religious groups, schools and members of the community.

The 2011 Annual Justice for ALL Dinner will take place at Adelphia Grand Ballroom in Deptford on Thursday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $95 per person.

For information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Giovina Price, 856-583-6126 or visit www.CatholicCharitiesCamden.org