The Event: More than 1280 guests celebrated the 27th annual Spirit of Saint Nicholas Ball at the Hilton Chicago on Dec. 2. Event chairmen Richard and Mary Beth Murphy, vice chairmen Mike and Claire O’Grady, and honorary chairmen Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich and Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland, president/CEO Catholic Charities, were on hand to greet guests, impart blessings and remind all of the legacy of Saint Nicholas.
A fourth-century bishop known for helping children, St. Nick is celebrated throughout the world on Dec. 6. Catholic Charities channels the benevolence of this patron saint, aiding more than 300,000 children through annual programs.
Cause célebre: “It’s Christmas time, we have a great event tonight (and) we’re raising a lot of money for our children’s programs,” said John Ryan of Elmhurst, chief of staff of Catholic Charities.
More Top Picks Thermometers Soil
The State is currently 20 million dollars in arrears to Catholic Charities. “We want to really take care of anyone who comes to our door, regardless of race, color (or) religion and we’re having a hard time with the State of Illinois right now,” said Ryan.
To date, CC has not cut any of their human services despite the financial hardship of not getting paid on the contracted aid from the State for services already provided.
“We’re reaching that cliff again where we have to decide what to do. We have been very successful fundraising private money but it is getting very challenging,” said Ryan.
Chuck Walsh of Lake Forest, past event chairman, added: “(Catholic Charities) is so extremely necessary, especially in Illinois where everything is going crazy in Springfield…we must have all the help we can get from the private sector.”
Bottom line: The event raised a record $1.4 million. Proceeds benefit children and programming serviced by Catholic Charities. More at catholicharities.nethttp://catholicharities.net.