Florida Catholic | Venetian Ball Raises Funds For Lee Charities

Venetian Ball raises funds for Lee County Charities

Published: 02.29.08

Bishop Frank J. Dewane thanked guests and sponsors for their support of Catholic Charities during the Sarasota Ball on Jan. 24.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane is joined by Fran and Don Mendrick, sponsors of the charity ball, and Peter Roustis-Arroyo, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. Fran Mendrick was also on the ball advisory committee.
Courtesy of the Diocese of Venice

FORT MYERS | The ninth annual Venetian Charity Ball Feb. 9 at the Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa raised about $100,000 for Catholic Charities in Lee County.

More than 425 patrons attended the event for a night of auctions, dinner and dancing. Attendance was up more than 100 people over last year’s event.

Guest of honor Bishop Frank J. Dewane thanked ball chairwoman Nancy Bullyan and her committee for hosting an elegant evening. Bishop Dewane also praised ball sponsors, especially the Galeana family, the Schultz family and Father Stephen McNamara of Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Fort Myers.

The evening featured a spirited live auction with several exciting getaways to destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Spain and Italy. Also auctioned off were a puppy and a chance for a dinner with Bishop Dewane.

Father Stan Strycharz of St. Leo Parish and members of the church surprised Martha Vivas, program director of Hispanic Services of Catholic Charities in Bonita Springs, with keys to a new van. The much-needed vehicle will be used for educational programs at the agency.

Catholic Charities of Lee County focuses on self-empowerment for clients by providing direct assistance, programs for children and adults, summer youth programs, translation services, case management, employment assistance, counseling, immigration and citizenship services, prenatal education, crisis intervention, community outreach, support, advocacy and special holiday projects.

The theme of the Catholic Charities Ball was “An Enchanted Evening in Italy.” The event featured Italian carnival decor.

Al and Dorothy Shultz are joined by Caroline Keys, right, of the Venetian Charity Ball committee during the ball Feb. 9. The Schultzes helped sponsor the ball.
Courtesy of the Diocese of Venice

Father Fausto Stampiglia, pastor of St. Martha Parish in Sarasota, mingles with Eileen Donovan (bottom center), founder of the Catholic Charities Ball in Sarasota, and other guests. Father Fausto Stampiglia, pastor of St. Martha Parish in Sarasota, mingles with Eileen Donovan (bottom center), founder of the Catholic Charities Ball in Sarasota, and other guests.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane stands with a group at the Venetian Charity Ball including (left to right) Tony Padilla, Sister Pat Redmond, OSF, Ana Romillo, Father Anthony Hewitt of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Boca Grande, Father Rafael Padilla, JCL, administrator of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Port Charlotte, and Paulina Matias.
Courtesy of the Diocese of Venice

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Venetian Ball raises funds for Lee County Charities

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