Plates to Ease Poverty Gala Hosted by: Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada and the St. Vincent’s Programs
WHO:
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada and the St. Vincent’s Programs is hosting its 12th annual Plates to Ease Poverty Gala.
WHAT:
Plates to Ease Poverty will be held on Tuesday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. The annual Gala is a cornerstone event that raises critical funds for Catholic Charities’ poverty assistance programs for those in deepest need in our community. While many in the region are experiencing prosperity, the need for assistance is growing and more and more people are turning to Catholic Charities when facing dire circumstances. With a shortage in affordable housing, support by the community is a critical component to supporting Catholic Charities’ programs such as rental assistance, nutritious meals in the Dining Hall, the Food Pantry and other vital services.
An integral part of the Gala is the Bishop’s Humanitarian Award. Bishop Randolph Calvo honors local persons or groups with this prestigious award, in recognition of their exceptional commitment to bettering the lives of the homeless, hungry and poverty-stricken in our community. The 2019 recipients of the Bishop’s Humanitarian Award are: the Bergin Family and Andy Stewart and Jorge Montoya of Guild Mortgage.
Siblings Leo, Don and Kathleen Bergin grew up on a humble dairy farm in Fallon. Instilled with a multi-generational family commitment to serve those who are less fortunate, they have been life-long volunteers, with a personal passion for serving through Catholic Charities. Whether they are ladling soup in the St. Vincent’s Dining Room every Tuesday or donating truckloads of potatoes grown on their family farms to feed the hungry, their parents and grandparents would be proud to see them carry on the family tradition of sharing their time, their talents and their treasure.
Also motivated by parents who were humble and generous, Andy Stewart had been volunteering in the St. Vincent’s Dining Room and inviting his friends and colleagues to join him on what he calls “feel good Fridays.” Jorge Montoya joined Andy one day to serve in the Dining Room and was so inspired by the experience, he now joins Andy, and a team of colleagues from Guild Mortgage, regularly to serve the hungry. They believe they are not only serving those currently in need, but for those in the future as well.
“Our honorees for our 2019 Plates to Ease Poverty gala truly embody a personal commitment to serving the poorest, most vulnerable members of our community. As successful business leaders, with demanding schedules, they consistently take the time to come and serve lunch in our dining room, bringing hope and a hot meal to the chronically homeless, to families on the edge, and to those who turn to Catholic Charities every day for care and comfort. We are honored to recognize their humble commitment to human dignity,” said Marie Baxter, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada.
Tickets are available and can be purchased at Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada by calling 775-322-7073, ext. 220 or for more information, visit https://ccsnn.org/
WHEN:
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
5:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m. Bishop’s Humanitarian Awards Ceremony
WHERE:
Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa
Reno, Nevada
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For Media Inquiries:
Tiffany East: 775-250-8092; tiffany@tiffanyeastpr.com
Jennifer Hill: 775-322-7072, ext. 220; jhill@ccsnn.org
