25th Annual Communities of Salt and Light Awards Dinner
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
25th Annual Communities of Salt & Light Award Dinner was held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Stratigos Banquet Centre, North Huntingdon, PA
Honoring Our 2025 Award Winners
Humanitarian
Thomas A. Jacobsen
Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, President of Diocesan Central Council of Greensburg, Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Philanthropy
John and Susan Coleman
St. Raymond of the Mountains
Outstanding Human Service Organization
The Ladies of Charity Roman Catholic Churches of Southern Fayette County Children’s Closet
Since 1998, the event has netted more than $1 million dollars to help nearly 9,000 individuals and families in the four counties served by the diocese — Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana, and Westmoreland.
For questions or additional information about this event, please call the Catholic Charities Office at 724‑837‑1840.
Past Award Recipients
Communities of Salt and Light award recipients are listed below in the categories of humanitarianism, philanthropy, outstanding human service organization, and lifetime achievement.
Click a category below to see the past winners.
Award: Humanitarianism ▼
- 2024 – Edward L. Antonacci
- 2023 – Gerald “Jerry” Wilcox
- 2020 – Lawrence “Larry” Kupec
- 2019 – Barbara Zucconi
- 2018 – Paul Whalen
- 2017 – Jerry Overman, Jr.
- 2016 – Detective Jeffrey J. Kuntz
- 2015 – Nicholas Kolb
- 2014 – Lois Weidner
- 2013 – John F. Kane
- 2012 – Richard A. & Joanna Stillwagon
- 2011 – Dr. Joseph S. Angelo
- 2010 – James R. Froelicher
- 2009 – Charles “Charlie” Cunningham
- 2008 – William G. Merchant
- 2007 – Richard Trinclisti
- 2006 – Jane Pramuk
- 2005 – Ann Husovitz
- 2004 – Rudolph Malinsky
- 2003 – Rita Keegan
- 2002 – Carol Artuso
- 2001 – Kathleen Takacs
- 2000 – Cataldo F. Corrado, Jr., M.D.
- 1999 – Sullivan D’Amico
Award: Lifetime Achievement Awards ▼
- 2023 – The Rev. Msgr. Raymond E. Riffle
- Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity
- Rev. Msgr. John L. Conway
- The Most Rev. Anthony G. Bosco, Bishop Emeritus
Award: Outstanding Human Service Organization ▼
- 2023 – Kindness Closet, St. Edward Parish, Herminie, PA
- 2020 – Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity
- 2019 – Shop With A Cop
- 2018 – Westmoreland County Drug Overdose Task Force
- 2017 – Spiritlife
- 2016 – Crosskeys Human Services, Inc.
- 2015 – St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Joseph Church, New Kensington
- 2014 – Salt & Light Organization, St. Joseph Parish, Uniontown
- 2012 – Alternatives.Yes Pregnancy Support Ministries
- 2011 – The Bridge Core
- 2009 – Mother of Sorrows Parish, Mother Teresa Outreach
- 2007 – Region 7 Senior Youth Ministry
- 2006 – Rendu Services Inc.
- 2005 – The Bethlehem Project
- 2003 – ParentWISE, Inc.
Award: Philanthropy ▼
- 2024 – Joseph A. Valero
- 2020 – Tom & Cathy Gothie
- 2019 – Dr. Primo & Henna Bautista
- 2018 – Thomas & Alice Zaucha
- 2017 – Patricia A. Smiy
- 2016 – George & Sally Carie
- 2015 – Charles Fischer
- 2013 – Rocco Panucci
- 2012 – John J. & Kimberly A. Dolan
- 2011 – Michael and Janice Walker
- 2010 – Raymond and Elizabeth Hanley
- 2009 – L. Richard and Christine Zappone
- 2008 – Hobart “Butch” Kane
- 2007 – Glenn & Carole Johnson
- 2006 – John & Virginia Wandrisco
- 2005 – Joseph A. Hardy Ill
- 2004 – L. Ronald Olszewski
- 2003 – Robert E. Eberly
- 2002 – Fred & Sharon Pisciotta
- 2001 – Paul R. Smiy
- 2000 – Premo J. Pappafava
- 1999 – Anne B. & John A. Robertshaw, Jr.
