Catholic Charities celebrated 34 years of continuous service to Galveston County and honored Deacon Sam Dell’Olio during the Oct. 27 Beacon of Hope Reception at the Galveston Yacht Club.
Deacon Sam Dell’Olio received the 2016 Beacon of Hope Award during Catholic Charities’ annual appreciation reception at the Galveston Yacht Club.
“We help people who face the daily challenges of making ends meet as well as individuals and families devastated by natural disasters,” said Elizabeth Kinard, Catholic Charities director of community services for the Galveston and Bay Area. “We are able to do this because of the generous support of our community, and we wanted to take time to thank the individuals, parishes, businesses and foundations that make our work possible.”
During the reception, Chuck Doyle, chairman emeritus of Texas First Bank, introduced the Beacon of Hope Award honoree Deacon Sam Dell’Olio as a good friend and a man of integrity and compassion.
“This award is presented to individuals whose stewardship and faith played an instrumental role in our program’s mission and service,” Kinard said. “Deacon Sam has served tirelessly on the Advisory Board for Catholic Charities in Galveston for many years and was instrumental in establishing case management, senior services and counseling during years of significant growth between 2001 and 2008.”
Kinard said that after Hurricane Ike struck the Island in 2008, Deacon Dell’Olio encouraged the community to rally together, and he became a voice for the agency as he developed relationships and donor support with parishes throughout the county.
“We are fortunate that Deacon Sam continues to provide guidance and volunteer support for the agency,” Kinard said. “He serves on our Program Committee and is a spiritual advisor and advocate for our mission.”
She said the reception was made possible through the tremendous support of the event hosts and Advisory Committee for Galveston and the Bay Area: Natalie Clarke, Deacon Sam Dell’Olio, Denise Gonzalez, Addie Earthman Pappous and Elizabeth Protas.
“I’m delighted that Galveston has such a dedicated leader in Elizabeth – and that this community really comes together when times get tough,” said Cynthia N. Colbert, MSW, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. “The people of this city are resilient, and you have proven that again and again. This city and this region are very important to us, and we are honored to have served the Bay Area for more than three decades.”