March 5, 2004
Contact: Joanne Ward
732-562-1990 ext. 1525
Email:  jward@diometuchen.org   

     Bread and Roses Ball to benefit Catholic Charities 

For the third year, Bernard and Laurie Hanafin of Annandale will chair the Diocese of Metuchen's Bread and Roses Ball. To be held Friday, May 14 at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Perryville, the annual gala event will benefit Catholic Charities' programs in Hunterdon and Warren counties.

Serving again as honorary chairman of the Ball will be Joseph S. Colalillo, of Colalillo Shop Rites.

“We are very pleased that the Ben and Laurie continue to give generously of their time to help those in need. They are an inspiration and we are grateful for all their efforts,” commented the Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski, Bishop of Metuchen.

“Catholic Charities last year served almost 75,000 people in the Diocese of Metuchen's four counties. We helped sick and abandoned children; homeless families; individuals battling AIDS or drug abuse; anxious refugees and those who are simply ignored by other agencies,” noted Marianne Majewski, Executive Director of Catholic Charities.

The programs Catholic Charities provide in Hunterdon and Warren counties range from the Family Services Center in Flemington to the Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center and Emergency Food and Support Services Center in Phillipsburg .

“Our successes are many, but they can't happen without the help of our many generous benefactors, people like the Hanafins,” Majewski said.

Last year over $60,000 was realized by the Bread and Roses Ball. In their three years as chairs of the Bread and Roses Ball, the Hanafins have raised almost $200,000 for Catholic Charities' programs in Hunterdon and Warren counties

The Ball will feature Monte Carlo style gaming, as well as silent and live auctions. A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the Immanuel Award given annually to individuals who exemplify, through service and sacrifice, the selfless determination to make the world a better place in which to live.

Working with the Hanafins on the Ball will be: committee chairpersons: Kathy Sandrian, publicity; Jeremy T.M. Novak, underwriting, Deborah Stout and Joseph Ercolino, ad journal, Jeremy T.M. Novak, Monte Carlo, and Geri Prosswimmer and Laurie Hanafin, auction.

Other committee members include: Rev. Sylvester J. Cronin, Peter J. Cucci, Martin A. DeSapio, George & Alice Franey, Michael Halpin, Joan Lorah, Linda Muller, Barbara Nelson, Susan Sabol, John and Patricia Paulson, Kathleen Reid, Kathy and Peter Sandrian and Gregory Taranto.

# # # The Diocese of Metuchen serves over 500,000 Catholics in Middlesex, Somerset , Hunterdon and Warren counties. The Diocese includes 108 parishes. It serves its faithful through 25 ministries that provide educational, pastoral and charitable outreach.

 

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