Catholic Charities USA President to Headline Diocese of Raleigh Gala

RALEIGH, NC, March 28, 2011 (Press-News.org) The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge and the Catholic Charities Board of Directors announce Celebrate God's Gifts, an April 30 gala to benefit the good works of Catholic Charities and its seven regional offices. The celebration will be held at 6 p.m. at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh.

The event will feature a keynote by the Reverend Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA, and a special tribute to Bishop F. Joseph Gossman. Catholic Charities USA is a national association representing more than 160 local agencies throughout the United States.

"We're honored to join Bishop Burbidge in celebrating the work of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh at our first annual gala," said John Keller, Diocese of Raleigh Catholic Charities Board Chair. "The Board and staff are excited to welcome Rev. Larry Snyder to our Diocese. The generosity of our volunteers and donors to support our gala has been wonderful."

An estimated 250 guests will attend the dinner which includes multicultural entertainment by Latin Sounds; pianist Lori Anderson; and dance troupe Filipino American Performing Artists of NC.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit Catholic Charities programs serving the poor in eastern North Carolina. Last year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh touched the lives of more than 54,000 individuals through counseling, family support, legal immigration assistance and other services to aid the most vulnerable in our community. Catholic Charities serves the poor without regard to faith tradition.

Individual tickets for the event are $50, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. To purchase tickets or to learn more about sponsorship, contact Catholic Charities Development Director Patricia Reid at patricia.reid@raldioc.org or (919) 821-8146. Sponsorship information and more about Catholic Charities may be found by visiting http://www.dioceseofraleigh.org/how/social/.

Catholic Charities is a private, nonprofit, social service agency serving the people of Eastern North Carolina. For over 100 years we have continued a rich tradition of providing a wide range of services. All programs are available to individuals and families regardless of race, creed, religion, or ability to pay through seven regional offices.