NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2014
Media Contact: Natalie Schrimpf 216.269.6525, x. 2520
(Cleveland, OH) — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Diocese of Cleveland raised more than $10,000 for its Woodland food pantry at its recent “Gather, Give & Grow” benefit. Held at St. Ignatius High School, some 225 Society members, friends of SVDP and dignitaries participated in the festivities to honor the organization’s dedicated volunteers and garner funds for its charitable programs and services. This year’s gala highlighted the work of volunteers Bill Jackson (St. Philomena Church, East Cleveland) and Tom Rebescher (St. Francis Xavier, Medina), as well as recognized St. Gabriel Parish (Concord Township). The Society also paid special tribute to Larry Lauter, who has worked at the organization since1972 in various capacities, including executive director and board secretary.
“The gala enables us to formally thank our incredible volunteers who anonymously serve our needy brothers and sisters in Christ each day,” said John Litten, executive director. “It has also become a key opportunity to raise additional money for the poor here in Northeast Ohio. Funds from this year’s benefit will help us provide some 1,000 meals each month to the needy at our Woodland food pantry.”
The event was sponsored by the following organizations and individuals: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland; St. Ignatius High School; PNC Bank; BakerHostetler; Mazella Companies; St. Edward High School; Community West Foundation; First Federal Lakewood; Noel and Mary Becker; Cohen & Company; Ennis Court; Greater Cleveland Foodbank; Henry and Judy Hilow; Italian Creations; Josephine Litten; Malley’s Chocolates; Sunny Nixon; Mark and Karen McCarthy; MCPc; Merrill Lynch; Orlando Baking Company; and Tucker Ellis.
###