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Catholic Charities Celebration of Hope Draws Nearly 1,000 Supporters

Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie, Samira Sariolghalam, Sophorn Cheang, Sarah Purce, Chanpone Sinlapasai, and Vanessa Briseno celebrate together at the end of the evening.

Portland, OR. Catholic Charities of Oregon held its 21st Annual Celebration of Hope Gala at the Oregon Convention Center on Saturday, March 10th. With nearly 1,000 guests in attendance, this signature event raised more than $700,000 to support Catholic Charities’ programs serving more than 20,000 people each year. The event was chaired by Bill & Colleen Gardner and featured the story of Jewell, who after ten years on the streets, is permanently housed and thriving. In addition to a special appeal, guests bid on auction items including a trip to Tuscany, private dinner with Timbers MVP Diego Valeri, and a luxury get-away to Bend. (Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie, Samira Sariolghalam, Sophorn Cheang, Sarah Purce, Chanpone Sinlapasai, and Vanessa Briseno enjoyed the evening – Photo credit, Lauren Odderstol and Matthew Hollander.)

Event Co-Chairs Bill and Colleen Gardner kick off the Celebration with an introduction and prayer.

Guests Suzanne Krahmer and Archbishop Alexander Sample look on as the program begins.

Catholic Charities Executive Director Deacon Rick Birkel speaks on the importance of the mission of Catholic Charities.

Auctioneer Dale Johannes initiates the live auction, which included a trip to Italy, dinner with MVP Portland Timbers player Diego Valeri, and more.

The Live Auction portion of the evening was great fun & a big success.

Johnny Martin Trio leads the crowd onto the dance floor with classic tunes at the end of the evening.

Vanessa Briseno and her husband, Tony Hawblitzel, hit the dance floor at the end of the evening.

John Colosimo, Molly O’Donnell and John Sheils enjoy the after party.

From Catholic Charities:

About Celebration of Hope:

At Catholic Charities, we believe home means possibility. Our focus is providing and preserving home for families on our community. With your help, we develop strategies to provide housing and support services for Oregonians in need. Please join us for the 2018 Celebration of Hope as we reflect upon the impact of Catholic Charities. We celebrate with a cocktail hour and dinner, a live auction and, most importantly, stories of hope and success from those we serve.

About the Organization:

Each year, Catholic Charities serves more than 20,000 individuals and families, regardless of faith, through programs aimed at meeting their immediate needs and building self-sufficiency. Every day, Catholic Charities works to find solutions for people experiencing a myriad of challenges: homelessness, financial hardships, counseling needs, family legal barriers, domestic violence and trauma, relocation from war-torn countries, and many others. The needs are great, but the opportunities Catholic Charities provides to its clients are transformative.

Andrew & Rita Pinkowski
R & H Construction
John & Mary Pat Rickman
St. Mary’s Academy
Stoel Rives
Joseph & Sarah Tennant
Walsh Construction
Bill & Carolyn Winter
David & Julie Brands
Columbia Bank
Les & Nancy Fahey
Fidelity National Title
First Republic Private Wealth Management
Thomas & Rosemary Franz
David & Julie Gorretta
Eric & Kim Grasberger
Patsy Heinlein
Paul Henkels
Jesuit High School
Marvin & Betty Kaiser
William & Rosella Lindblad
Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst
Moss Adams LLP
Mount Angel Abbey & Seminary
Ed & Anne Newbegin
NW Natural
Pinecrest Fabrics
Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, P.C
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus & Mary
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation
St. Ignatius Catholic Church
St. Pius X Catholic Church
TEAM Construction
The Boeing Company
The Kessi Family
The Wolf Family Foundation
Brian & Jeanne Thomas
University of Portland
Vista Capital Partners
Rebecca Yazzie
Brentley Bullock
Fr. Martin King
St. Mary Magdalene Church
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church
Bishop Kenneth Steiner

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.