Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago staged its 10th Annual Gala of the Arts on Friday, September 9 when over 500 benefactors gathered in Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom to benefit the organization’s Emergency Services Programs for people in crisis.
The evening’s net proceeds of $150,000 will provide food, clothing, shelter and supportive services to the increasing number of individuals and families who find themselves with an urgent need and reside in Cook or Lake counties. Catholic Charities’ eight emergency service centers annually assist more than 160,000 persons regardless of creed, race or economic status. Fifth Third Bank was the principal sponsor of the gala evening.
Catholic Charities serves over 1 million people a year throughout its various programs in cook and lake counties. “It’s remarkable the impact Catholic Charities has on so many lives at a time of need,” said Msgr. Michael M. Boland, administrator, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
“Jeff and I are honored to chair the Gala again this year and hope everyone has a better understanding of the compassionate care and commitment of Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities provides numerous supportive services while treating clients with dignity and respect,” said Gloria Schwartz of Oak Park who chaired the10th Anniversary Gala event with her husband Jeffrey.
“We applaud the talented and generous Midwest artists who exhibited and sold their juried works generously donating at least 50 percent of their proceeds to support Catholic Charities ongoing Emergency Services Programs,” Schwartz added.
The black-tie social fundraiser also honored Ellen and Charles Mulaney, Lincoln Park residents, with the Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago’s Annual Mandatum award for their devotion to justice and charity for all people.
“Charity is deeply rooted in the Mulaney family fabric. Three generations of this extraordinary family have graced and continue to uplift Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago for their service to the poor and vulnerable,” said Msgr. Boland.
The award is inspired by the Latin mandatum, the first word in Jesus’ statement on Holy Thursday in the Gospel of John (13:34): “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you,” by which he explained to the Apostles the significance of his selfless act of washing their feet.
“As former chairs of the annual “Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball” and support of virtually every other Catholic Charities event, through their generosity and good spirit, Ellen and Charles Mulaney have provided great example and answered the call to serve neighbors in need,” he said.
The Mulaneys received a bas relief plaque created by Wild Goose Studios, Kinsale, Ireland of Jesus washing the Apostles’ feet at the Last Supper.
An encore performance of “Under the Streetlamp”, entertained guests with a lively musical performance where Michael Ingersoll, Shonn Wiley, Michael Cunio, and Christopher Kale Jones, the four stars of the long- running recent Chicago production of Jersey Boys performed an intimate concert.
The Juried Art Show and Sale featured local nationally and internationally recognized artists Carol Nies Bilder, Jacqueline Blatchford, Eddie Corkery, Tom DeMint, Leslie Emery, Elizabeth Freyou, Karen Hohman, Diane Huff, Paul Kreutziger, Peggy Macnamara, Carolyn and Mark McMahon, Lynn Miller, Mary Jo O’Gara, Alejandro Romero, and LeAnita Ragland-Brooks.
Helping people in need for over 90 years, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is one of the largest private, not-for-profit social service agencies in the Midwest, annually serving more than 1 million persons in Cook and Lake counties without regard to religious, ethnic or economic background. Catholic Charities fulfills the Church’s role in the mission of charity by providing compassionate, competent, professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families and communities.
