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September 8, 2020Virtual Caritas Gala
November 7, 2020
Honoring our Catholic Charities Samaritans
Helping those in need
www.ccpaterson.org/caritas
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in all of New Jersey, helping thousands of people each day.We have been providing help and creating hope for over 80 years and proudly help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, operate 5 preschools in Paterson, offer support for at-risk youth, give back to Veterans, help for immigrants, offer friendship for seniors, operate the largest nonprofit drug and alcohol recovery center in the country (Straight and Narrow), provide emergency support programs, help the food insecure at our food pantries, and much more.
Catholic Charities relies heavily on fundraising to support those in need, but like many other nonprofits have not been able to host a live event since February.
“Our Board of Trustees and program leaders have made the difficult decision to cancel all of our major in-person events throughout the rest of 2020. The safety of our service recipients, staff members, and benefactors is of our utmost priority. We are pivoting to several virtual events to honor those who have made a difference during COVID-19 and support our vital ministry,” said Scott Milliken, Catholic Charities CEO.
Catholic Charities largest event of the year is their Caritas Gala. This black-tie event has raised nearly $250,000 over the last 2 years. In 2020, Catholic Charities will be moving the event to a virtual endeavor consisting of a video production, honoring Caritas Samaritans; 8 honorees who have given back to the organization and local communities during COVID-19.
“This year, we really want to highlight our mission, and our staff who have been on the front lines during this pandemic. We are helping more people than any time in our 80-year history, and it is important that we show our communities how strong and vital our programs are,” said Chris Brancato, Catholic Charities Development Director.
The large majority of Catholic Charities (over 70) programs have remained operational and they have also seen a dramatic increase in the need for their services, most notably their food pantries and emergency support programs. In the past 6 months, Catholic Charities has given out over 1,000,000 pounds of food and over $2,000,000 in emergency funding to those experiencing the ripple effects of COVID-19.
“It truly takes a village to provide this level of support for so many people. We see our Caritas Virtual Gala as an opportunity to thank several of those who have done so much for so many,” Mr. Milliken added.
This year’s honorees include:
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson Food Pantries (Staff, Volunteers and Donors)
Dr. Hayman Rambaran
Kelly O’Caiside
Diane Madsen
The Salesian Sisters
Backpacks for Life
Straight and Narrow Operations Department
New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund
For Samaritan bios, please visit www.ccpaterson.org/caritas.“In a challenging time for our country, but our Caritas Samaritans represent the good in our world. The ministry of Catholic Charities and those who work, volunteer for, and contribute to our organization has been a ray of light, during a dark time,’ Mr. Brancato said.
The Caritas Samaritans Video will premiere on Saturday, November 7th at www.ccpaterson.org.
