Jacksonville, Fla. – Catholic Charities Black & White Gala of Giving will be Saturday, April 13 at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. This event serves as one of the primary fundraisers for Catholic Charities Jacksonville Regional Office with proceeds assisting the agency in reaching out to the community with emergency assistance.
In celebration of the event’s 20th year, a special evening awaits our guests beginning with a cocktail reception and silent auction, a seated dinner, and dancing to The Mystery Band to round out the evening.
Special guest this year will be Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, the national office of more than 2,766 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide providing assistance and hope for more than 10 million people a year. Pope Benedict XVI named Father Snyder to the Pontifical Council Cor Unum for Human and Christian Development in 2007, and he served as president of Caritas North America from 2006-2011. Father Snyder has been recognized by The Non-Profit Times for inclusion in its “Power and Influence Top 50.”
“This year’s event will truly be a celebration of the generosity of those who have supported us for many years and we are honored that Father Snyder will be able to join us for this special evening,” said Jennifer Garizio, executive director of the Jacksonville Regional Office of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of St. Augustine.
Catholic Charities Jacksonville provides seven major programs, including Emergency Assistance. They are the largest private provider of emergency financial assistance in our community.
The goal of the agency is to prevent homelessness by helping families, who are facing eviction or loss of utilities due to a recent financial crisis. Short term assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities and food is provided. All proceeds raised from the Gala of Giving supports this program. Last year, 13,762 individuals were helped through the Emergency Assistance Program and 46,035 meals were distributed to those in need. In 2012 the Black & White Gala of Giving raised $210,900 to help families in Crisis.
Tickets are $150 for individuals and $100 for those under 35. Sponsorships are still available and range from $2,500 to $25,000. Please call Debbie Moore at Catholic Charities at (904) 354-4846, ext. 227 for more information.