A time of thanks, preparing for the future at CDA dinner
By Joyce Coronel | Nov. 4, 2009 | The Catholic Sun
Members of the Shepherd’s Circle gathered Oct. 28 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center for a Mass and appreciation dinner. They also welcomed Patrick and Julie Nackard, the 2010 co-chairs of the Charity and Development Appeal.
In recognition of the Year for Priests and in honor of the birthplace of St. John Vianney, patron saint of priests, the event had a distinctly French flavor, with French food and drink, as well as music.
Fr. Gregory Schlarb, vicar of stewardship for the Diocese of Phoenix, called the 2009 CDA “an incredible success” in spite of a major downturn in the economy.
The money raised — more than $9.1 million — was about 6 percent below that raised the previous year, Fr. Schlarb said. Locally, non-profits fundraising efforts were down nearly 20 percent on average.
Fr. Schlarb thanked Ric and Davonna Serrano, the 2009 CDA co-chairs, for their efforts on behalf of the many organizations that benefit from the annual appeal.
“It is because of their leadership and persistence that we have been so successful,” Fr. Schlarb said.
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted said it was the Serranos’ devout faith that guided them in their responsibility of being co-chairs of the CDA.
Bishop Olmsted thanked the trustees of The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust for their $350,000 grant to the 2009 CDA.
“Their contributions have had a profound effect on many of the CDA programs and services,” he said.
Patrick and Julie Nackard, the 2010 CDA co-chairs, also addressed the crowd.
Patrick said that the difficult economic times called for a new approach to the CDA.
“We should try to increase the number of people who give rather than just have the ‘givers’ give more,” he said.
The Shepherd’s Circle recognizes those families or individuals who give $5,000 or more to the CDA. This year, its 139 members raised more than $1.7 million.
