The diocesan Catholic Charities 2023 ball featured two new faces serving as co-chair: Rachel Murdock and Carmen Trujillo.
Rachel Murdock
Rachel Murdock moved with her husband, Todd, to Arlington 20 years ago. They are parishioners of St. Agnes Church in Arlington. They have two children, Mackenzie,15, and Keagan,13. They are huge sports fans and spend most of their free time on a soccer pitch, softball field or at a swim meet.
Murdock has volunteered on the ball committee for 16 years. She has volunteered with several different charities over the years, and this spring her family is planning to do Family Meal Pack projects and take shifts at St. Lucy Food Distribution Hub.
“Planning an event of this size takes a committee of dedicated volunteers to make the task achievable and seamlessly come together each year,” said Murdock. “My favorite part of planning the ball was the fellowship with my co-chair and the ball committee members. This amazing group of gracious women have loved and supported each other throughout the entire planning process and beyond. I am grateful for each of them and look forward to continuing to work with them.”
Murdock was optimistic about reaching the $1.2 million goal this year and was overwhelmed by the generosity of donors who not only allowed them to meet their fundraising goal, but exceed it by more than $400,000.
“I have so much gratitude to those who have selflessly given to the ball allowing Catholic Charities to further its ministries across the Diocese of Arlington,” said Murdock.
Carmen Trujillo
Carmen Trujillo was born and raised in Miami and moved to Virginia five years ago. She is a wife and mother of four. Trujillo studied nursing at Florida State University and worked as a cardiac intensive care nurse before leaving practice after the birth of her third child.
Trujillo and her family are parishioners of St. Agnes Church in Arlington. Two of her children attend St. John the Beloved Academy and the other two attend The Heights School. Through both communities and their local parish, she and her family have become more involved in different Catholic communities.
Trujillo is passionate about serving pro-life groups and support centers.
“Planning (the ball) was such a pleasant experience being able to work alongside my co-chair, Rachel (Murdock), and the many women who have made the ball possible for 41 years,” said Trujillo. “The efforts of the special gifts committee and all the members who volunteer to support the ball contributed to the fundraising goal to be exceeded. Their efforts and the generosity of the many donors are essential to support Catholic Charities ministries in their work serving the most vulnerable communities in our neighborhood.”
Trujillo is grateful to everyone who contributed to make the 41st Catholic Charities Ball a success.
