On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, 41 individuals helped St. Gianna Women’s Homes raise more than $9,200!
St. Gianna’s, as you know, is a home for women who are escaping abortion and domestic violence, along with their children, staffed by the Marian Sisters. I would like to thank John and Gloria Strope for organizing this year’s event once again. I would also like to thank Jim and Barbara Partington who were gracious in hosting us at their beautiful Deer Springs Winery (at 162nd and Adams).
We are also grateful to Carmen and Tony Messineo for providing the delicious Irish corned beef and cabbage, Italian-style, through Premier Catering! Needless to say, the food and wine were wonderful.
I would also like to thank Don Bennett and Barb Biffle Bennett who make up Whoozon 1st Band for providing this year’s musical entertainment. They sang all of the favorite Irish music and then some. They are a unique band for they are able to play at least 16 different musical instruments, some of which I have never heard of but hope to hear some day.
We were blessed once again to have one of Ireland’s native sons – Monsignor Liam Barr – along with his parochial vicar, Father Jonathan Haschke (who, like me, has an Irish grandmother). I am sure his grandmother, like mine, always provided their grandchildren something green to wear each St. Patrick’s Day. Our special guests this year were our new Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley and his wife Susan.
After dinner, I thanked everyone who helped bring in more than $9,200, which will keep St. Gianna’s open for 15 days. This is important because it is private donations that keep the doors open.
I like to tell people that the most important resident at St. Gianna’s is Jesus Christ, who is present in the Blessed Sacrament in his Divinity and His humanity.
Since opening, in addition to having helped women escape violent situations and having saved many babies from abortion, women have returned to the practice of the faith and others have decided to become Catholic. All this is made possible because of our loving donors.
At the end of the evening, I thanked everyone for their love and support. The same goes to you! Please know that we at St. Gianna Women’s Homes will keep all of you, your families and intentions in our prayers! Saints Gianna and Patrick, pray for us!
