CHARITY AND DEVELOPMENT APPEAL

Photos by Robert DeFrancesco/CATHOLIC SUN

Nearly 600 Catholics gathered in Phoenix Jan. 13 for the annual Society of the Miter Dinner in support of the Charity and Development Appeal. Top: Sarah, Ric and Davonna Serrano stand behind son, Stephen, as he addresses the crowd. Below: Patrick and Julie Nackard, this year’s CDA co-chairs, introduce themselves to those in attendance. Bottom: Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted closes the evening with words of prayer and gratitude.

CDA supporters gather to celebrate successes, future

Nearly 600 Catholics from around the Diocese of Phoenix gathered at the downtown Sheraton Hotel Jan. 13 to celebrate the success of the 2009 Charity and Development Appeal.

In spite of a sharp economic downturn, the annual appeal raised over $9.2 million, falling just 4.7 percent short in a year when most non-profits in the Phoenix area faced a nearly 18 percent drop in contributions.

The CDA funds more than 70 charitable organizations that feed, clothe, house, counsel and educate those in need throughout central and northern Arizona.

CDA 2010: More information about the annual appeal

The annual event, known as the Miter Society Dinner of Appreciation, serves as an evening of appreciation for people donating $1,000 or more to the appeal.

Fr. Gregory Schlarb, vicar of stewardship for the diocese and master of ceremonies for the Miter Dinner, said he was thankful for the leadership of CDA co-chairs Ric and Davonna Serrrano.

“The Serranos are a wonderful example of how families work together and support one another. We are blessed to have such an outstanding family as our CDA chairs,” Fr. Schlarb said.

He also thanked those in attendance for their generosity and faithful giving, in spite of tough times.

“Thanks to your stewardship, in 2009, the CDA raised $9,231,865. Your gifts made it possible for the CDA to reach over 90 percent of its goal,” Fr. Schlarb said. 

Ric Serrano said leading the CDA was a family affair and that the couple’s two children, Stephen and Sarah, went with them to all their speaking engagements.

The addition of prayer intention cards to the CDA during the 2009 appeal had a profound effect on the Serrano family. 

“It became for us a true understanding of the suffering in our diocese,” Davonna said. “Over 25,000 prayer requests were received — prayers for jobs, marriage, physical healing and their children’s return to the Church and yes, special prayers for our priests and our bishop.”

With the Serranos standing at the podium, Fr. Schlarb introduced Patrick and Julie Nackard as the 2010 co-chairs of the CDA, which begins in February. He presented them with a pair of shoes signed by past CDA chairs, so that they could “follow in their footsteps.”

The Nackards, parishioners at both San Francisco de Asís Parish in Flagstaff as well as Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, explained their vision for the annual appeal.

“We’re not asking people to give more,” Patrick said. “We’re asking more people to give.”

His wife agreed.

“Only about one third of our families gave last year,” Julie added. “We need the other two-thirds to support our community.”

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted thanked the Miter Society for their generosity to the CDA, but especially for their faith in God.

“Your sacrificial gifts are a leadership and an inspiration for all,” he said.

Greg and Christina Blanchard of San Francisco de Asís Parish drove down from Flagstaff to attend the Miter Society Dinner. Parents of six children and active members of their faith community, they are longtime supporters of the CDA.

“We are called to be good stewards,” Greg said. “The CDA is a great way to support the whole diocese.”