Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg hosts a recognition and fundraising dinner each spring. All proceeds from this event are redistributed to the most vulnerable and at-risk residents of the four county diocese by granting temporary emergency financial assistance with food, light, water, sewage and all heating sources.

The dinner traditionally nets more than $50,000 and in its 13 years, has netted more than $760,000 to help nearly 7,000 individuals and families in the diocese’s four counties — Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana and Armstrong.

The 2012 award winners were announced January 13 and are as follows:


Humanitarianism

Richard and Joanna Stillwagon

Our Lady of Grace Parish, Greensburg

Philanthropy

John and Kim Dolan

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Indiana

Outstanding Human Service Organization

Pregnancy Support Center of Alternatives. Yes.

Connellsville

Andrea Pritts, Executive Director

The 2012 awards will be presented by Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt, April 19 at Stratigos Banquet Centre, North Huntingdon.Msgr.  Raymond E. Riffle, managing director of Catholic Charities, will serve as master of ceremonies.

The dinner will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7, with remarks and award presentations following. Tickets are $125 each and include entry into the grand prize drawing. Chinese and silent auctions will also be held.

Underwriting and table sponsorship opportunities, as well as program ads, are available. For details, please contact Judy Modecki at 724-837-1840.

Our History

In 1998, the diocese established the Communities of Salt and Light Awards to recognize individuals whose deeds exhibit a significant level of time, talent and treasure. Nominees are measured by criteria epitomizing the mission of the church in our diocese and reflective of the core essence of Catholic Charities.

The criteria was established by an independent committee of lay and clergy representatives of the diocese and inspired by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ document “Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish” (1993).

The Communities of Salt and Light Awards recognize outstanding individuals or groups in the categories of humanitarianism, philanthropy and outstanding human service organization. Nominations are accepted at any time during the year, but are generally due by the last Friday in November for the following spring event. 

Nominations are submitted (without the individual’s or organization’s name) to a committee comprised of the executive committee of the Catholic Charities Board of Trustees and the diocesan bishop.

The nominations are rated on a weighted scale to determine the winners.