Diocesan Catholic Charities held its annual ball Feb. 7 at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner and set a new fundraising record.
More than 1,000 people came together to celebrate the work of Catholic Charities, selling out the ball. The initial goal of $1.6 million was surpassed, and more than $1.7 million was raised to support Catholic Charities ministries.
Last fiscal year, Catholic Charities was able to help more than 32,000 people, said Stephen Carattini, president and CEO. A total of $9.7 million in support was provided to those in need with $3.6 million going to food, $2.8 million to free medical assistance, $914,000 in emergency support, and $2.4 million in refugee assistance.
Catholic Charities was able to provide 19,877 meals to the hungry at Christ House in Alexandria, and 70 adults and children received housing, life skills and employment skills at St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional and Maternity Housing or Christ House. Almost 43,000 pounds of essential hygiene and household products were given to more than 6,600 individuals.
“Your generosity will help us to continue to provide help and create hope to thousands of people in need,” said Carattini.
Carattini took the opportunity to share the story of a woman Catholic Charities was able to help at their food pantry in Front Royal. A volunteer selected food and hygiene items and brought them over in a cart.
“When she saw the cart filled with meat, fresh produce, milk, eggs, and even laundry detergent she looked at us and whispered in disbelief, ‘Is this all for me?’ When I said, ‘Yes, it’s all for you,’ she began to cry,” said Carattini. The volunteer immediately embraced the woman and shared words of encouragement. “Love and hope being manifested in a humble food pantry in a quiet corner of our diocese.”
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge thanked Carattini and the Catholic Charities team for their work. He shared that he recently visited a parishioner in the diocese who is currently unemployed and experiencing physical suffering.The parishioner told Bishop Burbidge that the worst part was that he was losing hope for the first time in his life.
“Dear friends, we can’t let that happen to him or to any other individual. We must remind them that they are never alone, especially in their time of need, God is always with them,” he said. “Your support of Catholic Charities and this ball is a way of being instruments of hope.”
This year’s ball chairs were Jessica Bartlett, Julia Byrne and Alyssa Garcia. Garcia was also a chair for last year’s ball.
Byrne, who was born and raised in McLean and grew up attending St. Luke Church, said they are all very grateful for everyone’s support and generosity.
The James J. Matthews Legacy Award was bestowed on Joan and Alan Holmer, parishioners of St. Luke. The Holmers were recognized for their significant support of Catholic Charities spanning decades. Alan was on the board of Catholic Charities from 2012 to 2022, and he chaired the board finance committee for nine years. He has served on the Ball Special Gifts Committee since 2013. He also volunteers as a mentor at Christ House in Alexandria. He was instrumental in starting the challenge bid at the ball and has led it since its beginning in 2016.
Joan is a donor and supporter of St. Lucy Project and is involved with Women Walking with Purpose at St. Luke. Joan and Alan have been married for 51 years and have two children, including Fr. Scott Holmer, pastor of Holy Face Catholic Church in Great Mills, Md., and one grandson.
Elizabeth Krebes received the Bishop Paul S. Loverde Legacy Award in recognition of her commitment to serving the poor. A parishioner of St. Theresa Church in Ashburn, Liz has been an active volunteer with Catholic Charities since 2013. She has dedicated nearly 4,300 hours to volunteering with the St. Lucy Food Project and Emergency Assistance at the Catholic Charities regional office in Loudoun. Liz also volunteers in many roles at her parish.
Watch the video
Go to bit.ly/CCBallVideo.
