Together in Support: Catholic Charities Helping Hands Gala raises funds for those in need
by Kristine Rilling
10/21/2024
“Tonight’s Helping Hands Gala highlights not just the good we’ve done, but also the great hope we have for the future,” said the Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, bishop of Erie, in welcoming guests to the 2024 Helping Hands Gala. “Catholic Charities has been hard at work expanding its outreach across the diocese.”
Bishop Lawrence Persico stands with this year’s Helping Hands of
Justice award recipient, The Sisters of St. Joseph of
Northwestern PA.
The annual event, hosted by Catholic Charities, Inc., of the Diocese of Erie, was held at Gannon University’s Yehl Alumni Ballroom on Thursday, October 10. The gala is the signature fundraiser for Catholic Charities to help grant aid to the many affiliate agencies under their umbrella that span across the 13 counties of the diocese. The event also traditionally honors “helping hands” in the Diocese of Erie — people who have served their communities in exceptional ways.
The master of ceremonies for the evening was Jan Stork, a Helping Hands Gala committee member, who began the evening outlining the amazing impact Catholic Charities has for communities.
“Whether it is through assistance with a mortgage, a shelter for homeless men in Clearfield, classes designated to strengthen families in Farrel, food pantries, thrift stores or a wide array of counseling services sprinkled throughout northwestern Pennsylvania,” said Stork, “Catholic Charities is committed to addressing immediate needs as well as long-term problems, always in the name of Christ.”
Erin Tubbs, executive director for Catholic Charities, took the stage next. Tubbs thanked those who made the event possible, acknowledging long-time sponsors PNC Bank, Industrial Sales and Manufacturing and Quinn Law Firm.
Mr. Dale DeMarco shares remarks as the recipient of this year’s
Helping Hands of Service award.
Tubbs went on to explain some of the priorities that Catholic Charities has been focused on throughout the past year including expanding support and resources to parishes and Catholic Schools, distributing over $145,000 in grants this year and identifying community initiatives that would benefit the most from their help.
“We’ve seen a 217% increase in the number of social service calls to our office in just two years,” said Tubbs. “This is likely due to a combination of increased need as inflation continues, decreased funding at other agencies and our enhanced connections with the community.”
Tubbs went on to say, “The challenges we face are many and difficult, but the opportunity to engage are plentiful and exciting.”
Tubbs then welcomed Bishop Lawrence T. Persico, bishop of the Diocese of Erie to the stage who, in a rare moment, took the opportunity to provide a personal update about his recent health issues.
“I have felt a tremendous amount of support as I continue to focus on my health. For your prayers and well-wishes, I am deeply grateful. I stand here tonight stronger because of your support,” said Bishop Persico. “In the same way, those we help here tonight – through your generosity – will also become stronger because of the support you provide.”
Ms. Deb Seng, Chair of the Justice and Peace Integrity of
Creation Group for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern
PA, accepted the Helping Hands of Justice award on behalf of
the SSJ.
After Bishop Persico united those present in prayer, Stork returned to the stage to invite Jim Stevenson, regional president of PNC Bank and presenting sponsor of the Helping Hands Gala, for his remarks. Stevenson played an inspirational video and shared how his devotion to Catholicism has influenced how he engages in the community alongside Catholic Charities in helping those in need.
The Cathedral Preparatory Show Choir, under the direction of Andrew Allesso, entertained guests with a beautiful performance. As the entertainment ended, Stork returned to the stage to close the auction with a booming “3…2…1!”
Auction items were sure to attract bids from people from all ages and interests. Some signature items included gift cards to local restaurants and stores, family experiences like a Magical Disney Adventure to a priceless Hines Ward autographed jersey.
Following the conclusion of the auction, Tubbs returned to the stage to introduce this year’s Helping Hands award recipients for the two categories: service and justice.
blessing to those in attendance and to those we
serve.
Tubbs noted that the Helping Hands of Service was meant to recognize those assisting with immediate needs. Dale DeMarco received the honor for his career of service on several finance councils and as treasurer for local nonprofits. His understanding of finance has instilled in him an appreciation for organizations that focus on lifting people out of poverty.
“As Catholics, we are supposed to perform acts of charity,” said DeMarco, “And Catholic Charities does just that. It is a great organization and I am happy to support it in any way that I can.”
DeMarco served on the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities for nine years and has remained on the finance committee since 2022. To honor his parents’ legacy, DeMarco established The John E. And Rose M. DeMarco Endowment for Catholic Charities to meet urgent needs in our diocese.
The next award of the evening was the Helping Hands of Justice award which honors those who take the long view, looking for the strategic solutions that will improve systems and society on a grander scale, with that effect reaching individual people. The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania received the award.
“From the founding of St. Vincent Hospital and Villa Maria Academy in the late 1800’s,” said Tubbs, “It was clear that the Sisters dreamed big and broad and rightly so.”
Tubbs welcomed Ms. Deb Seng, Chair of the Justice and Peace Integrity of Creation Group for the Sisters of St. Joseph, to the stage to accept the award on behalf of the community.
honored at the Gala. From left to right: Atty. Jay Alberstadt, James F.
Toohey, Tom Loftus, Dawn Schaaf, Dan Schaaf, Ann Rutkowski, John
Barber, Bridget Barber, Charlie Rutkowski, Warren Beaver, and Christine
Beaver.
“Working for Justice is in the DNA of the Sisters of St. Joseph,” said Seng. “Their mission is to live and work so that all people will be united with God and one another.”
“Today I was reminded of the parable of the mustard seed,” continued Seng. “The smallest of the seeds will grow into a strong, large tree with many branches where birds can perch. We can all be those seeds. Together, we can build a world of peace, justice and integrity for all creation.”
The Sisters of Saint Joseph are committed to addressing the issue of homelessness in their communities. They coordinate many channels for advocacy on a wide array of topics from immigration to care for creation to human trafficking to food insecurity and more. They have dedicated years of work advocating for peace, justice and care of creation.
To conclude the night, Stork took the stage to recognize several past Helping Hands honorees who were present and with final remarks that appropriately summed up the evening.
“Tonight, we celebrated with great food, great friends, great entertainment and hopefully great generosity,” said Stork, “Let’s continue to remember why we gathered tonight and that is to give thanks for all those people who make the work of Catholic Charities possible and for those in our community who most need our support…God Bless you all and thank you for coming!”
To support Catholic Charities, Inc., of the Diocese of Erie, please visit https://ccincerie.org/.
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