Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany recently celebrated “Gala for Good,” its 13th annual fundraiser at the Carondelet Hospitality Center, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road in Latham.
Catholic Charities provides real solutions with compassion and dignity for people in need every day. The Gala for Good highlighted its mission and celebrated the good that is achieved with help from the community. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region took center stage at this year’s fundraising event and was honored for its shared goal of lasting community impact.
“We were thrilled to honor The Community Foundation at this year’s gala with an award presentation for their unwavering dedication to philanthropy and community transformation,” said Catholic Charities CEO Sister Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ. “Their vision and generosity have strengthened our communities, fostered change, and improved countless lives.”
“The Community Foundation is grateful for this special recognition from Catholic Charities, who knows firsthand the importance of offering compassionate assistance to our friends and neighbors who are struggling to hold onto their homes, put food on their table, combat domestic violence and so much more,” said John Eberle, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of the Greater Capital Region. “There is always reason to hope for a better future, and we are turning our focus now more than ever to our local communities to step up and pitch in to help their neighbors as much as possible.”
Proceeds from the gala are earmarked to support the 87 vital programs and services that Catholic Charities provides across 14 counties, including: affordable housing, food insecurity programs and emergency assistance services, family and child support programs, services for survivors of domestic violence, as well as a number of other human service programs targeting the underserved and impoverished.
Support from the community is needed now more than ever. Earlier this year, the federal government began re-prioritizing its spending habits and slashed funding to a number of critical programs, including those administered by domestic and international humanitarian non-profit organizations that deliver aid to the nation’s poorest and most vulnerable populations. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany is one of the largest providers of social service programs in upstate New York. In 2024, approximately 82,000 people benefitted from these local programs.
“It was an evening of celebration, connection, and community. It’s an event that will not only bring our mission to life, but will celebrate the good in the community,” Sister Betsy said. “Because of you, it’s the good we do!”
The gala featured Giving Trees (embrace the spirit of giving!) whose branches were adorned with special tags offering a variety of donation opportunities; exciting live music by Kilashandra; delicious cuisine stations and a bar; raffle baskets, a silent auction and a cash raffle with a grand prize of $1,500.
Local television personalities Ashley Miller and Chris Onorato served as emcees.
Sponsors included the following:
Presenting Sponsor: Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, Broadview Federal Credit Union
Champion for Good: Kingsway Home Care Service;
Change Maker: The Foundation of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, New York, Inc.; Community Advocates: Fenimore Asset Management; NFP; The Franciscan Friars of Siena College; Marilyn and Robert Bellafiore; Thomas and Laurie Baldwin;
Compassionate Companions: The Bonadio Group; The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region; Jack and Katrina Consiglio, Crisafulli Bros.; Keith and Claudia Stinton; Patrick J. Fitzgerald, Esq. – Girvin & Ferlazzo, PC; St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation; Tote Construction Services; The Williams Center.
Caring Partners: Alpin Haus • Bill & Betsi McGoldrick • Capital Energy Partners, LLC • Circles of Mercy • Connie Cahill • Anthony & Theresa Casale • Ed Lewi Associates • Empire Report • Jamie Hanrahan • Homeless & Travelers Aid Society • Laura Leeds • James H. Maloy Inc • Malicki Group • Meyers & Meyers, PLLC • Dr. James Ernest Mincy • Modern Press • NYSID* James & Maura O’Brien • Mary Beth O’Brien • PNJ Technology Partners • Rayben Enterprises-Green Facilities Solutions • St. Catherine’s Foundation • St. Mary’s Healthcare • St. Pius X Church and School • Teresian House Foundation • Trudeau Associates