Catholic Charities Hosts 15th Annual Celebration

By Jennifer L. Warren

Many refer to them as “Community Champions.” However, they simply view themselves as ordinary people, doing their part to make things better during these trying times.

Thursday evening, those “essential workers,” hailing from Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, were gratefully recognized for their outstanding, altruistic, and critical efforts over the past year at Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster‘s 15th Annual Celebration of Charity. This year, the organization’s largest event aimed at raising much needed funds for emergency food and shelter assistance as well as addiction prevention and treatment, was virtual. The goal was to hit the $100,000 mark, a feat they achieved last year.

In addition to celebrating the 21 individuals who symbolized Catholic Charities’ mission of providing help and creating hope by sacrificing and helping neighbors in need over the past year, the fundraiser further honored all of the Catholic Charities’ team and their arduous and selfless work to assist struggling neighbors during these extremely challenging times of the Pandemic.

“I am very proud of these agencies; people rely on them day in and day out,” said Monsignor Kevin Sullivan. “We know Catholic Charities will continue to be there for those in need throughout this Pandemic; they will give much needed light and hope, and we need them more than ever during these challenging times.”

From Orange County, 10 Community Champions were honored for their tireless efforts to aid in stepping it up this past year. Whether it was providing meals, offering a listening ear, or offering medical expertise, the work of each of the honorees made a huge impact on the lives they touched. The process was two-fold, as they too grew and were touched deeply by their experiences.

“It has just been incredible to see the response by so many who I work with to this Pandemic,” said Jason Knudsen of Shop Rite in Montgomery, who was involved in multiple projects aimed at delivering food to pantries and other events.

Meanwhile, Port Jervis High School Social Worker, Beth Maas, discussed the distinctly increased need for services in her field during the Pandemic. Noting the vast issues that accompanied the teenagers’ experiences learning virtually, Maas expressed her deep gratitude for all her District and co-workers did to make students feel more comfortable, heard and safe in this new reality.

“I hope to continue to support and help out with all of the work that the Port Jervis School District does to help our youth, said a humbled Maas about her recognition.

Many of the recipients spoke of how recognition was not a catalyst for what they did, simply making a difference in people’s lives was. Further, they touched upon how none of them could have accomplished what they did without a support team, worthy of equitable recognition.

“It takes an entire community to help people, and we did just that,” said Michelle McKeon of RECAP. “Together we can do anything.”

Throughout the evening’s program, viewers made donations on the website. The need to help continues, and Catholic Charities is not about to slow down on doing their part, making sure people have the essentials and are able to live safe, healthy and productive lives.

“It has been an incredibly busy year; we have had to act quickly to ramp up our programs to meet the changing needs the Pandemic has presented,” said Tom Urtz, Chairman of the Board of Catholic Charities. “Together, we are making a difference; but the need is so big, and there is still so much more work to be done.”