The ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner in McLean was
filled with more than 870 people dressed in their finest and united in their support for
diocesan Catholic Charities Feb. 2.
The guests were there for the 36th Catholic Charities Ball,
themed, “Faithful Servants, Grateful Hearts.” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
presented the awards, while Joseph and Bertha Braddock served as honorary
chairs. Father Donald J. Rooney, pastor of St. Bernadette Church, was master of
ceremonies. Mary Beth Carroll and Julie
Theobald served as ball chairs, and Mary Anne and George Forrester served as
special gifts chairs.
“The ball is primarily volunteer-run by people who have a
great passion for Catholic Charities,” said Art Bennett, president and CEO of
diocesan Catholic Charities. “People work on it 10 months a year. The
dedication of the ball leaders is just incredible.”
Bennett stressed the celebratory nature of the event. “We
are celebrating the resources we have been able to give to Catholic Charities
which should enhance people’s lives,” he said. This year’s ball raised more than $1 million.
Posted by Catholic Diocese of Arlington on Friday, February 2, 2018
Guests watched a video highlighting the programs of Catholic
Charities, including new programs: the Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic in
Manassas, the Welcome Home Re-Entry program, the Retreat for People Facing
Serious Illness and Catholic Charities USA’s Mobile Response Vehicle.
“Clearly, there are things we are doing that we wouldn’t be
able to do without the ball,” said Bennett.
Robert and Mary Ann Nirschl received the James J. Matthews
Legacy Award. The award was established on the 25th anniversary of the ball and
honors the memory of Matthews, who turned the vision of the ball into a
reality. Mary Ann began volunteering for the ball in 1984, served as special
gifts coordinator in 1989 and ball co-chair in 1990. The Nirschls’ leadership
at the Arlington Free Clinic helped Catholic Charities gather best practices
for the Mother of Mercy Free Clinic.
All Saints Church in Manassas received the Bishop Paul
Stephen Loverde Legacy Award, which recognizes the partnership between a parish
and Catholic Charities. All Saints was recognized as being at the epicenter of
Catholic Charities work.
Several Catholic Charities programs are located in Manassas,
including St. Lucy Food Distribution warehouse, Hogar Immigrant Services,
prison ministries, Migration and Refugee Services and the Mother of Mercy Free
Medical Clinic. Catholic Charities offers also counseling services at the
parish and school students engage in works of charity throughout the year.
