Gala supports Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach will host its fifth annual “Caritas Dei Bishop’s Gala” Jan. 28, 2016, at The Breakers Palm Beach.

The evening will include a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by dinner, dancing and an interactive live auction.

During the event, Catholic Charities will honor three local residents for their consistent support of Catholic Charities values and for their contribution to the work of the organization. The honorees are Trudy Brekus, who will receive the Caritas Dei Dedication Award; the Rev. Brian King, receiving the Caritas Christi Service Award; and Joan Wildermann, who will get the Caritas Dei Spiritus Sancti Volunteer Award.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach provides quality programs that help the poor and most vulnerable regardless of religious affiliation. “Caritas Dei Bishop’s Gala” is a way to support this work and to offer hope to children and struggling families or a senior with no one else to turn to. Each person who seeks help through Catholic Charities is treated with respect. Last year, Catholic Charities programs and ministries assisted more than 10,000 unduplicated clients through 12 programs and ministries.

The planning committee behind this large-scale, black-tie event is a group of dynamic women who meet monthly to discuss new event ideas, gather silent auction items, plan the evening’s activities, and help with various tasks for the gala while socializing and having fun.

This year’s committee includes Vickie Arruza, Silvia Azqueta, Winnie Azqueta, Carol Baxter, Michele Bianco, Trudy Brekus, Shelley Cabangon, Mercedes Cassidy, Nannette Cassidy, Lurana Campanaro, Kim Celedinas, Barbara Claeys, Megan Donnelley, Karen Donnelly, Darlene Dzuba, Cathie Fanjul, Raysa Fanjul, Emilia Fanjul, Allegra Fanjul, Joanna Jiampietro, Moneca Kaufmann, Ana Kenefick, Guiliana Koch, Kathy Leone, Virginia Longo, Marietta Muiña McNulty, Sally Ohrstrom, Ruby Rinker, Mary Lynn Rogers, Erica Scalesse, Isora Sherman, Anne Surovek, Georgia Ulseth, Sieglinde Wikstrom and Heather McNulty Wyser-Pratte.

Serving as the gala chairs are Raysa and Alfy Fanjul and Emilia and Pepe Fanjul. The honorary chairs are Cathie and Andres Fanjul.

The event is sponsored by James Borynack and Wally Findlay Galleries International; The Breakers Palm Beach; Carney Family Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Celedinas; Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Claeys; Mr. and Mrs. C. William De Vane; The Frankino Foundation; Florida Crystals Corporation; Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation; Mr. John Herrick; Mr. and Mrs. John Koch; Lawrence A. Moens Associates; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Lester; Jim and Sharon Mattei and the Mattei Foudantion; McNulty Family Foundation; Nursing Services of Palm Beach; Publix Super Markets Charities; Ruby Rinker; Mr. and Mrs. Philip Ruppe; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Saleeby; Lawrence Sanders Foundation; St. Edward Catholic Church; St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church; St. Mary’s Hospital; Mr. and Mrs. Leo Vecellio; and Siegline Wikstrom.

“Caritas Dei Bishop’s Gala” costs $500 and $350 for juniors. For more information, call 561-630-2695.