Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

Catholic Charities will be celebrating its 20th annual benefit gala, EVENING OF HOPE on Saturday, November 6, 2010. This year’s theme is an “elegant evening amid the sights and sounds of Barcelona,” Co-Chairing the event are Wilfrid C. Lemann of Fullerton, Lemann, Schaefer & Dominick, and Dr. Janice Klim-Lemann. Held at the historic Victoria Club in Riverside and attended by 300 guests from around the region, the benefit includes a cocktail reception and a three-course dinner, during which attendees enjoy performances by local musicians.

Once again five individuals who have demonstrated the Catholic Charities’ motto of “Providing Help, Creating Hope” will be recognized at the dinner for their work in the two-county area. The “Hope” 2010 Honorees are Mr. Greg Baugh, Supervising Parole Agent, Division of Juvenile Justice; Ms. Catherine Mailliard, Director of Family Outreach, Community Food Pantry of Murrieta - St. Martha's 2nd Hand Treasures, Community Outreach of the Valley; Ms. Manuela Silvestre Principal, Mecca School; Mr. Don Smith, Project Manager, City of Riverside Homeless Services; and Dr. Stephen Wierzbinski, Physician and Community Volunteer.

“In 2010, Catholic Charities proudly celebrates our 30th anniversary of helping people in need. For more than a quarter of a century, Catholic Charities has alleviated the suffering of tens of thousands of struggling families and increased their stability, safety, and health,” commented Ken F. Sawa, CEO of Catholic Charities. “The EVENING OF HOPE proceeds help us make an impact on the nearly 20,000 households we serve annually by addressing their current crisis and helping them to move forward to new opportunities. It is such good news that by virtue of our name and our values, Catholic Charities provides resources to the most vulnerable, misunderstood, and needy in our lour local communities on behalf of the Catholic Community.”

The evening provides opportunities for guests to bid on an unique array of silent auction gifts. Additionally, EVENING OF HOPE features Gifts for Others, a chance for attendees to designate their donation toward a specific need that is in keeping with the donor’s interests and charitable giving goals. Finally, we provide an opportunity for guests to contribute to college scholarships for students interested in human services professions. All donations for Gifts for Others and Raising Paddles for Scholars are 100% tax-deductible.

EVENING OF HOPE will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at the Victoria Club from 5:30 to 9:30 PM. For more information, please visit our website at www.ccsbriv.org or call 909 388-1239, ext. 304 and ask for Ms. Kathie Neff.