2012 Communities of Salt and Light awards announced

GREENSBURG — Residents of Greensburg and Indiana and a pregnancy support agency in Connellsville will be honored with 2012 Communities of Salt and Light Awards from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg at the 14th annual awards dinner April 19 at Stratigos Banquet Centre, North Huntingdon.

Richard and Joanna Stillwagon, parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Greensburg, will receive the award for humanitarianism. John and Kim Dolan, parishioners of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Indiana, will receive the award for philanthropy. Alternatives.Yes, a pregnancy support agency in Connellsville, will receive the award for outstanding human service organization.

The Stillwagons are active in a variety of groups, including alumni associations at Seton Hill University, Greensburg, and Saint Vincent College, Latrobe. Richard is the immediate past president of Mental Health America of Westmoreland County.

The Dolans have been involved in numerous efforts to support their parish and diocesan initiatives, most recently serving as chairpersons of the diocesan leadership team for the “Today’s Challenge ~ Tomorrow’s Hope” Capital  & Endowment Campaign for the Diocese of Greensburg. They also have supported Catholic Charities, where Kim serves as a board member.

Alternatives.Yes is a non-profit organization committed to helping pregnant women and their families by providing services that protect and enhance their lives. Andrea Pritts, a parishioner of St. Pius X Parish, Mount Pleasant, is the executive director, and Sister of Charity Catherine Meinert, former principal of Conn-Area Catholic School, Connellsville, is board president. 

At the dinner, Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt will present the awards and deliver remarks, and Msgr.  Raymond E. Riffle, managing director of Catholic Charities, will serve as master of ceremonies.

All net proceeds from the dinner go directly to temporary emergency financial assistance for utilities, food and basic needs. In its 13 years, the Salt and Light dinner 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 — according to Catholic Charities’ records.

The Salt and Light Dinner begins 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, contact Judy Modecki at 724-837-1840.

- The Catholic Accent