Gala
Filter By Section
Overview
Catholic Charities’ annual gala is the agency’s signature fundraising event enabling staff to continue its crucial work.
As we celebrate together, in the midst of God’s many blessings, we congratulate this year’s honorees, Tony and Mary Martocci, and Monsignor John J. Martin. All of these humble servants set a remarkable example to all of us by generously and compassionately opening their hearts to those in need.
Next Section
2020 Event2020 Event
Join us Sunday, March 8 at DeSales University Center
- 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley
- Get Directions »
(Business Attire)
This year’s theme, “At Home with Catholic Charities,” is a reminder that when doors are closed to those looking for food, comfort, direction, or just someone to listen – Catholic Charities’ doors are open.
This year’s honorees, Reverend Monsignor John J. Martin and Anthony and Mary Martocci, are being recognized for their service, compassion and generosity toward the poor in our communities.
Next Section
Get TicketsGet Tickets
Tickets: $175 each
The Gala has sold out the past two years. Seats fill quickly – reserve yours today!
Tickets are sold out.
Next Section
HonoreesHonorees
Reverend Monsignor John J. Martin
Pastor, St. Peter’s Parish, Coplay
Monsignor Martin was born in 1946 in Pottsville, son of the late John S. and Anna M. Martin. He attended St. Bartholomew School, Brockton, and graduated from Marian High School, Tamaqua.
He prepared for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary near Philadelphia where he earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees. He was ordained March 18, 1972 at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown by the Most Reverend Joseph McShea, then-bishop of Allentown.
The new priest’s first assignment was as assistant pastor, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall from 1972-1974). He was then called to service in Diocesan administration where for more than 20 years he served in a variety of rolls: assistant financial secretary and then Financial Secretary for the Diocese. He was also assistant director, Holy Family Manor and Villa, Bethlehem. For part of that time, he served as chaplain for St. Francis Center for Renewal, Monocacy Manor. For 11 of those years he was in residence at St Joseph the Worker Parish in Orefield.
In 1992, he was named pastor at St. Stephen of Hungary Parish in Allentown. He was pastor at Assumption BVM Parish in Colesville from 1996 until 2011. Since then he has been pastor at St. Peter Parish in Coplay.
Monsignor Martin has also been a member of the Council of Priests, the Diocesan Consultors, a member of the Committee for Priestly Vocations, a member of the Board of Directors of the former Catholic Social Agency and most recently a member and later Vice President and then President of the Board of Directors of Catholic Senior Housing and Health Care Services Inc.
Monsignor Martin has twice received papal honors. He was named Chaplain of His Holiness with the title Monsignor on December 15, 1981 by Pope John Paul II and was named Prelate of Honor of His Holiness, on February 10, 1987 also by Pope John Paul II.
Anthony and Mary Martocci
Parishioners of Assumption BVM Parish, Bethlehem
Mary A. (Tropila) Martocci was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ; was a member of St. Anthony Parish, and attended Ferris High School. She was working and attending evening classes at New York University when she met and married Anthony (Tony). Having five children in six years (Laura, Philip, Natalie, Monica and Diana) kept her busy! During this time the family moved to Bethlehem, PA and joined Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (ABVM) Church.
Mary was very active with the new Assumption BVM School (now St. Michael’s), volunteering in a number of areas. Over the years at ABVM Church, Mary also was involved in coordinating bus trips and Parish wedding ministry, responsible for altar flowers, helped with spaghetti dinners, was a member of the Women’s Advent Breakfast committee, and more. Outside the Parish, Mary enjoys volunteering at St. Luke’s Hospital, traveling with Tony and spending time with her nine grandchildren – Noa, Danielle, Sydney, Sam, Jacquelyn, Kimmie, Quincey, Matthew, and Jennifer.
Anthony (Tony) Martocci was born and raised in Roseto, PA; was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, and attended Bangor High School. He received degrees in Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy from Lafayette College and Stevens Institute of Technology. At Bethlehem Steel Corporation (BSCO), he worked at various plant locations in addition to working for 25 years at Home Research Labs and spent a dozen years at Corporate Energy Affairs. After retirement from BSCO, he consulted for the U.S. Dept. of Energy, primarily with Oak Ridge National Labs.
After relocating to Bethlehem 55 years ago, Tony became involved in Assumption parish activities including: Holy Name Society, Eucharistic Minister coordinator, Finance Council, etc. He became involved in the parish Boy Scout Troop in 1975 and continues to be active with the Troop and Cub Pack. Tony began making annual parish-sponsored men’s retreats in 1971 at St. Francis Retreat House, was a member of their founding board of directors and continues as Board Emeritus. Tony and Mary made a “Cursillo Weekend” in 1979, sponsored by parishioners, which was life-changing for Tony who remains active in Cursillo today. Tony also is active at the Diocese as a member of the Parish Capital Improvement Committee. He was a member of DeSales University’s Institutional Review Board and supports a number of their programs. Currently, he is in a year of Formation with the Knights of Malta.
Mary and Tony feel very blessed to be part of our wonderful Catholic Diocesan community! God Bless!
Next Section
Sponsorship & AdvertisingSponsorship & Advertising
For sponsorship & advertising opportunities, please view the documents below:
Next Section
Gala RaffleGala Raffle
First Prize
Two exclusive tickets for the Broadway Preview performance on March 16, 2020 at the Longacre Theatre. This new Broadway musical is based on the life of Princess Diana. Package includes limousine service as well as pre-show reception with New York luminaries! Value: Priceless!
Donors: Anthony and Evelyn Carfagno & Corporate Limousine
Second Prize
Diamond Tennis Bracelet. Value: $1,000.00
Donor: Anonymous
Third Prize
Hotel Bethlehem “Getaway”! Overnight stay at the Hotel Bethlehem for two, tickets for the Hotel’s Sunday Musica Brunch and $200 spending money to enjoy dinner and shopping. Value: $500.00
Donor: Yacco’s
$10 per ticket or 3 tickets for $20
Drawing date: March 8, 2020. Winner need not be present to be eligible.
1468 Last year, 1468 families received financial help with a crisis
312 + 208 Lunch was served 312 times and dinner 208 times at our soup kitchens
34 34 percent of those we help are young children or older adults
329 329 families were able to stay in their homes last year
Catholic Charities' mission is to provide compassionate human services with respect for the sanctity of all human life.
Your gift will feed the hungry, find shelter for the homeless, counsel those suffering with mental health issues and show respect for all, regardless of faith, race, age, or ability to pay.
Donate