The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago hosted its 15th annual Gala of the Arts on Sept. 9 in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier with a record-breaking crowd of nearly 600. The event helps fund Catholic Charities’ Emergency Assistance Programs and included the presentation of the Mandatum Award to Deacon Stan Strom, chief of staff at Holy Name Cathedral.
During a reception, guests enjoyed an art show and sale that featured original paintings and photographs by 16 locally and nationally recognized artists. A highlight of the show was the “After Supper: Visions of My Life” exhibit. These pieces are created by homeless artists who receive services through Catholic Charities. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork goes directly back to them.
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The gala was chaired by Jim Serritella and vice chaired by Heide and Gerry Kenny. Serritella’s son Anthony shared the significance of the event that his parents co-founded in 2001: “Whether you’re that first soldier about to land at Normandy, that Navy Seal about to break down a door not knowing what’s on the other side or someone who stays late at a mission to bring that last person in before they freeze to death, God lives right at the front lines, and so do Catholic Charities. They’re always there, front and center, fighting injustice and helping others after everything else has failed,” he said.
Monsignor Michael Boland, president of Catholic Charities, welcomed guests and spoke about the charity’s outreach. “Every 30 seconds, someone calls us for help in the city or from our suburban communities. We serve the poorest of the poor. It’s very humbling.” The monsignor presented the Mandatum Award, the charity’s highest honor, to Deacon Strom for his longtime dedication and service to those in need.
A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of the 9/11 tragedy. Emcee Marley Kayden, of WMAQ-Ch. 5, then sang “God Bless America” as the audience stood and sang along.
Following dinner, Rich Daniels and the City Lights Orchestra performed a musical tribute to commemorate Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday year, with special guest Ron Hawking. In keeping with the event’s theme, “Swingin’ Gala,” images of the Rat Pack lined the entry to the ballroom, and guests posed for photos beside a life-size cutout of “Ole Blue Eyes.”
The event raised more than $300,000 for the organization’s Emergency Assistance Programs that provide food, clothing, emergency shelter and financial assistance to those in need. Since 2008, they have provided more than 9 million meals to the hungry and homeless.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
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Find more photos and events at www.chicagotribune.com/candidcandace. Visit Candid Candace’s website at www.candidcandace.com, or follow her on Twitter @CandidCandace.
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