News

Archbishop’s Gala Raises Funds for Hospitals and Agencies

NEWARK, N.J. (May 1, 2006) — Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, hosted the first annual Archbishop’s Gala last week in Whippany to raise funds in support of the hospitals of Cathedral Healthcare System and the programs and services of Mount Carmel Guild Behavioral Health System and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, all of which are affiliated with Catholic Health and Human Services Corporation (CHHS).

Special guests included Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations; N.J. Senate President Richard Codey; Dr. Leon Smith, the recipient of the Archbishop’s Leadership Award; Brian McAuley, the 2006 Humanitarian of the Year; and this year’s inductees into the Cathedral Physicians Hall of Fame: Dr. Victor Daibo, Dr. Richard Pizzano, and Dr. Robert Hobson, representing Saint James Hospital, Columbus Hospital, and Saint Michael’s Medical Center, respectively.

CHHS President and CEO Henry J. Amoroso welcomed the more than 500 people who gathered at Birchwood Manor for dinner and a program that included video presentations highlighting the programs and services offered by CHHS affiliates. “Throughout tonight’s program, we’ll be getting a glimpse of the healing, hope, and humanity at the core of our vital mission of compassionate care,” said Amoroso. “We’ll get to see the faces of people touched by that mission — some served by skilled medical professionals, some by dedicated social workers and counselors, and all by caring men and women who — like you and I — look for God’s face in the most vulnerable among us.”

Archbishop Myers thanked all in attendance for supporting the Archdiocesan health-care and social-service ministries, telling them, “You are helping to heal the sick by supporting three urban hospitals that provide top-quality care to residents of the Greater Newark area. You are assisting the poor and vulnerable by supporting a community-services agency that for more than a century has been offering care, comfort, counsel, and protection to those in need. You are aiding men, women, and children troubled by mental illness or challenged by addiction through your support for Mount Carmel Guild’s vital programs and services. Thank you for heeding God’s call for corporal works of mercy.”

Proceeds from the Archbishop’s Gala support Cathedral Foundation, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code, which raises money through events, grants, annual support, and major gifts to further the work of CHHS affiliates and to advance their shared mission of compassionate care.

Serving northern New Jersey for more than a century, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark operates programs throughout Essex, Hudson, Union, and Bergen counties. The agency shelters men, women, and children without homes; counsels families in crisis; provides day care and socialization activities for older adults; builds families through adoption; teaches job skills; educates students with special needs; helps people with HIV/AIDS; and assists “the stranger among us” through programs for immigrants, refugees, and victims of human trafficking. More information is available online at www.ccnewark.org.

Cathedral Healthcare System, Catholic Charities, Mount Carmel Guild, and Cathedral Foundation are all affiliated with Catholic Health and Human Services Corporation and support the mission of the Archdiocese of Newark.

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Catholic Charities is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).