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The 36th annual Catholic Charities Gala will honor the work of the social services agency and acknowledge the contributions of its philanthropic community at its first-ever virtual celebration on the evening of March 13.
The popular gala is expected to raise about $2 million to support ongoing operations and programs of the city’s largest independent social services agency.
“Much has changed in the Washington area in the years since our first gala. And yet, one thing has remained the same: We have neighbors who need a helping hand,” said Msgr. John J. Enzler, president and CEO. “Thanks to our supporters, Catholic Charities gives hope to those in need, whether the need is food insecurity, mental health support or intensive medical and social services.”
Chef José Andrés, whose humanitarian work has highlighted the issue of food insecurity, is the gala’s honorary chair. The evening’s program will include a conversation, “Food as Hope,” between Andrés and Scott Lewis, who leads Catholic Charities’ food assistance initiatives.
Nashville singer-song writer Maggie Rose will provide the entertainment. Following her performance, members of Catholic Charities’ young professionals groups, the Enzler Society and the 83.33 Society, will lead a conversation with the singer, a Potomac, Md., native and Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School graduate.
The program hosted by Father Enzler also features two members of the Catholic Charities Board of Directors: Kevin Virostek, chair, and Robert Trone, chair emeritus. Cardinal Wilton Gregory of the Archdiocese of Washington will make his first appearance at a Catholic Charities spring gala.
After organizing in-person gala celebrations for more than three decades, Catholic Charities turned to a virtual format this year in keeping with public health recommendations. Although held virtually, the evening includes personal touches such as take-home food from Ridgewells Catering and wine from Total Wine & More.
To kick off the festive evening, guests will receive conversation starter cards in goodie bags. The cards feature seven engaging questions, each with a tie to Catholic Charities. Among them is “Tell us about your favorite volunteer jobs. Why were they memorable?” — a nod to the almost 7,000 people who volunteered at Catholic Charities last year.
At a Glance
What: Catholic Charities DC 36th Annual Gala
When: Being held virtually. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13.
Who: José Andrés; honorary chair; Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington; Msgr. John J. Enzler, president & CEO, Catholic Charities DC; Kevin Virostek, Board of Directors chair; and Robert Trone, chair, capital campaign. Entertainment and program segment with singer-song writer Maggie Rose.
Registration: To attend the virtual gala or to provide a sponsorship, visit the gala website.
