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Catholic Charities’ annual gala is the agency’s signature fundraising event enabling staff to continue its crucial work. Save the Date for the 2022 Gala – April 3, 2022, held at DeSales University.
As we celebrate together, in the midst of God’s many blessings, we congratulate this year’s honorees, Frank J. Ford and Monsignor Robert J. Wargo. Both these humble servants set a remarkable example to all of us by generously and compassionately opening their hearts to those in need.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown, which provided vital services for more than 12,000 individuals and families last year throughout Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill Counties, will hold its Fourteenth Annual Gala with the goal of raising $250,000 to help fund its many programs and services for the less fortunate in our Diocese.
This year’s Gala will be held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 2022 at The DeSales University Center, Center Valley. The evening, which will be attended by Bishop Alfred A. Schlert, will feature a live auction, wine pull, and presentations to the honorees. A newly-created award, the “Jeffrey P. Young Youth Service Award” will be presented to three local college students who have demostrated outstanding service to others within the Diocese.
**Please note, DeSales has lifted their mandated mask requirement. You are still welcome to wear masks if you feel more comfortable.
Invitations were mailed the first week of February, 2022, to past attendees. If you would like to receive an invitation, please contact Julie Scheck at 610-871-5200, ext. 2216 or .
Please see attached flyer on how you can support this year’s Gala.
Gala Support flyer with both honorees
Reverend Monsignor Robert J. Wargo
Pastor Emeritus, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Orefield
Monsignor Wargo was born in Williamsport, PA. He attended St. Canicus School, Mahanoy City, and Immaculate Heart High School, Ashland.
He studied for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary near Philadelphia. He was ordained a priest in 1972.
The new priest’s first assignment was as assistant pastor, St. Patrick, Pottsville. He also served as Regional Director of Vocations, West Schuylkill County; Assistant Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown; Pastor of Immaculate Conception, St. Clair; Pastor of Sacred Heart, Palmerton; Diocesan Vocations Director; and was name Pastor of St. Joseph the Worker in 1990, where he served until his retirement earlier this year.
Frank J. Ford
Mr. Ford serves as President of St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus. He joined the network in 1997 and has held a number of roles in both finance and executive administration, which have included President of the Visiting Nurse Association of St. Luke’s, Chief Financial Officer of St. Luke’s Hospital – Miners and Quakertwon Campuses, President of St. Luke’s Allentown Campus and President of St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus.
Prior to joining St. Luke’s, Mr. Ford held financial management positions at Mack Trucks, Inc. and Crystal Brands Retail.
Mr. Ford is a native of Allentown and graduated from DeSales University with a B.A. in Economics and Lehigh University with a Master os Business Administration. He also serves as a trustee of DeSales University.
Mr. Ford is married to his wife Tina for 48 years and lives in Coopersburg. They have 3 children – Regina, Amy, and Christopher and seven grandchildren. They are parishoners at St. Joseph’s Church in Limeport.
INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS:
PAUL & PATTY HUCK / ANTHONY & EVELYN CARFAGNO / RAY & TERI BISHOP / STEPHEN & SABINA OLENCHOCK
Thank you for considering to partner with Catholic Charities to provide help, hope, and love to the most vulnerable among us.
For sponsorship & advertising opportunites, please click the below flyer.
Gala-Cooks Sponsor flyer 2022
Please contact Julie Scheck at 610-871-5200, ext. 2216 or .
170 170 Veterans helped with housing, education, transportation & emergency support services
39,520 + 1,315 39,520 meals served during the year at our Soup Kitchens , 1,315 clients served
8,000 Ombudsman Program responsible for 8,000 aging facility beds across Lehigh and Northampton counties
9,166 Over 9,000 clients served during 2021; adults, seniors & children
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.
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