Catholic Charities Gala at The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou with special performance by The Midtown Men.
The vibrant sights and sounds of the Grand Bazaar – exquisite tapestries blowing in the wind by Matt Camron Rugs and Tapestries, a sun-kissed hilltop venue with perfect weather and unforgettable music by the Midtown Men, were just a few of the highlights of Friday’s Spirit of Charity Gala, which raised a record-setting $1.2 million to benefit Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
More than 660 guests enjoyed spectacular views of the city, an exotic outdoor atmosphere designed by A Memorable Event, exquisite cuisine by Caswell & Company Catering and the sounds of the ’60s presented by the original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo opened the evening with a blessing.
The festive event honored the Harvey family with 2016 Monsignor John J. Roach Award for their longtime friendship and legacy of leadership, philanthropy and strong Catholic family values. David E. Harvey Jr., chairman and CEO of D.E. Harvey Builders, is a member and past chair of Catholic Charities’ board of directors. He and his mother, Patricia, received the award on behalf of their entire family of 11 siblings, 23 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Carol Beck, Alicia Freysinger, Jo Brueggerman and Catholic Charities President/CEO Cynthia N. Colbert.
“The Harveys have committed their careers to this community as builders, engineers, nurses, accountants, marketing directors, art directors, teachers, business managers and computer experts,” said Cynthia N. Colbert, MSW, Catholic Charities president and CEO.
Gene Reed of E.E. Reed Construction, longtime friend of the Harveys, introduced the family. “Dave and Pat set an example of hard work, philanthropic generosity and volunteer leadership that the entire family has continued,” Reed said.
Event chairs for the gala were Carol and Paul Beck, Jo and George Brueggeman, Jr., and Alicia and Dave Freysinger and auction chairs were Jennifer and Bryan Caswell. “The chairs and the entire planning committee did a spectacular job with this year’s gala,” said Diane Cervenka, Catholic Charities vice president for development and marketing.
Special guests included Anna and S.J. Babin; Deana and Larry Blackburn; Anne and David Dunlap; Gayelene and Ralph McIngvale; Trini Mendenhall; Odis Peavy; and Raye White.
The Spirit of Charity Gala is the largest fundraising event for Catholic Charities. It raises funds to support all programs of the agency, which impact the lives of more than 77,000 people annually.