Children and parents celebrated the true meaning of Christmas with Cardinal DiNardo
Event chairs Michelle and Stephen Fraga snap a photo with His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo at A Cardinal’s Christmas. Pictured with their three children: Stephen Jr., Gregory and Andrew.
On Saturday, Dec. 10, His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo shared the true meaning of Christmas with nearly 300 Houstonians at the eighth annual A Cardinal’s Christmas luncheon. This festive fundraiser, held at the River Oaks Country Club, raised nearly $220,000 to benefit Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston’s children and family services programs.
His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo shared a Christmas message with the children, emphasizing selflessness, love, and the importance of giving to others. Guests of all ages enjoyed sweet holiday treats generously donated by Paulie’s and Crave Cupcakes while children from St. Rose de Lima Catholic School blessed the crowd with Christmas carols.
Monica Montes shared her story about how Catholic Charities’ counseling services helped her overcome her fear of the dark. Pictured with Catholic Charities CEO Cynthia N. Colbert, MSW.
The highlight of the afternoon’s festivities came when a 9-year-old client provided a firsthand account of how the agency impacted her life. Before participating in Catholic Charities’ free in-school counseling program, she was struggling with anxiety, fears, and worries that interfered with her social life and academic performance. With help from a Catholic Charities counselor, she was able to openly identify triggers for her fears and anxiety. The counselor taught her various strategies to manage her anxiety, which she and her parents practiced at home. Now, she exudes a level of confidence that truly mirrors having peace and joy in her heart.
Event chairs Emily Capps, Michelle Fraga and Dr. Adrienne Hwang.
Catholic Charities President and CEO, Cynthia N. Colbert, was moved by the client’s testimony. “We are blessed to have the opportunity to serve the community in such meaningful ways. I am deeply grateful to our donors who make our work possible.”
Kevin Rech, Catholic Charities Board Vice Chair, was grateful for the event’s success, stating, “This year, the event came to life thanks to our chairs, Michelle and Stephen Fraga. Their passion and dedication is truly inspiring.”
Emily, Allen, Amelia and Carter Capps.
Notable guests included Underwriter Chairs Emily and Allen Capps, Judy and Ron Girotto, Dr. Julie A. Vogel, Justice Eva Guzman, Mikki Hebl and David Harvey, Maria and Eduardo Morales, Dr. Lindsey Harris Massengale and Justice Michael Massengale, and Blanche Morello.
The annual A Cardinal’s Christmas fundraiser supports programs such as pregnancy and parenting services, basic needs support for families in need, and affordable counseling services to families and children. These initiatives support the agency’s overall vision of helping people in need achieve self-sufficiency and live with dignity.
To continue in the spirit of Christmas giving, you can support the agency by making a donation at www.catholiccharities.org/ChristmasGift. For more information, please contact Zarinah Poole at 713-874-6649 or zpoole@catholiccharities.org.
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