Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington raises more than $1.6 million to support people in need

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington held its 42nd annual ball at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner Friday. More than 1,000 people attended the event, which raised more than $1.6 million to support people in need.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge told the crowd that their support of Catholic Charities ministries helped bring the light of Christ to people in need.

Noting the challenges faced by those who Catholic Charities serve, Bishop Burbidge said the attendees' participation is a response to the calling to help others as people of faith.

“God simply asks that we give what we have: whatever sacrifices, whatever resources, whatever volunteer work, whatever we can do. Just watch how he will use it miraculously, working in and through us, helping us at this privileged moment in this diocese to participate in the work of making a new heaven and a new earth,” Bishop Burbidge said.

During the last three years, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington assisted more than 90,000 clients. This aid came in many forms, including food, rental and utilities assistance, clothing, medical and mental health care, education, and migration and refugee services, among others.

Other highlights include:

• $3.4 million in food donations were made. This translated into 2.2 million pounds of food, fulfilling 59,165 requests.
• 17,627 meals were served at Christ House, a 42% increase from last year.
• $900,000 in rental and utilities assistance was provided, enabling 2,196 people to avoid eviction or loss of power.
• $2.1 million was provided in free medical assistance.
• $1.8 million was provided in refugee assistance.

“All of you are supporters and I share with you my heartfelt and deep gratitude for all the goodness that is in this room, the generosity is absolutely incredible, overwhelming, and inspiring,” Bishop Burbidge concluded.

Catholic Charities President and CEO Stephen Carattini noted that the ball was being held during the year in which the Diocese of Arlington celebrates the 50^th anniversary of its founding. Patterned after the diocese, whose Golden Jubilee theme is “Behold, I make all things new,” the theme for the ball was “Renew.”

"In this, our diocesan jubilee year, we remember the thousands of men, women, and children that we were blessed and privileged to encounter and serve. We rejoice and give thanks to God for our pastors and parishes, and for our dedicated volunteers,” he said. “And we renew our commitment to our Bishop and all of you to competently and compassionately serve everyone who is entrusted to our care.”

You can watch the ball video here, detailing much of the work done by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington.