On Saturday, October 21st, over 325 individuals joined together at the Raleigh Marriott at Crabtree Valley to celebrate the wonderful work of Catholic Charities. Over the past year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh has served over 60,000 individuals throughout central and eastern North Carolina. This evening provided the opportunity to reflect on this great accomplishment and look to the future as Catholic Charities continues to expand.
The event also serves as an important fundraiser for Catholic Charities. Through the generosity of the many sponsors and guests at the event, over $215,000 was raised to continue the important work of Catholic Charities next year.
The evening program began with Board Chair, Rebecca McCabe, introducing Ms. Lisa Perkins as the new Catholic Charities Executive Director. Ms. Perkins was recently named as Executive Director after serving as Interim Executive Director since June 2017. For more information about her appointment, click here.
In her remarks, Ms. Perkins shared with those in attendance the impact of their contributions. She reviewed new initiatives Catholic Charities is undertaking by highlighting the Disaster Services program and response to Hurricane Matthew, the Oak City Cares project, and the planned Durham Food Pantry. She thanked all of the Catholic Charities supporters who have made this work possible and allow the agency to continue to grow.
The evening also featured Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama as the keynote speaker sharing what he sees is unique about Catholic Charities. “Charity is not only for the ones who suffer a lack of money. We serve the people who lack love, and that is a most beautiful and great challenge.” Bishop Zarama explained. “Service needs to be wrapped in love, in the love of Jesus, and that is Catholic Charities.”
Click here to view a listing of all the ways Catholic Charities is serving those in need in our community across the Diocese of Raleigh. More information is also available for those looking to volunteer here.