View article on The Arlington Catholic Herald
The spirit of generosity and fellowship filled St. Mark Church in Vienna Oct. 26, as faithful friends of diocesan Catholic Charities gathered for a thank you reception associated with its annual ball, a major fundraiser.
Donors, volunteers, and staff filled the room, many of them having spent years supporting Catholic Charities’ ability to serve those in need throughout Northern Virginia. The evening celebrated the kickoff of the 45th Annual Catholic Charities Ball, scheduled for Jan. 29, 2027.
Its theme, “One in Christ and Charity,” serves as a reminder to live the faith through acts of charity, kindness and compassion for the most vulnerable of God’s people.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge opened the evening in prayer and thanked those gathered for their generosity, which sustains the work of Catholic Charities. He emphasized the importance of each ministry in supporting the many individuals and families, from single mothers needing stability and families facing food insecurity to individuals struggling with mental health challenges and older adults needing companionship and care.
“Catholic Charities is that arm of the diocese that helps all of you to say ‘Yes’ to those ministries that are so essential,” Bishop Burbidge said.
Bishop Burbidge also recognized Ron Riggins, who recently accepted the role of interim president and CEO as the organization continues its search for a permanent leader. He thanked Riggins for his willingness to serve and acknowledged his longstanding support of Catholic Charities and the diocese.
For Riggins, returning in this new capacity after serving on the board for 15 years, including as chairman, has been deeply meaningful. Riggins shared that an encounter with a homeless man asking for help while he was praying in a chapel stirred a deep call to serve and to consider how he could give back the many blessings he had received in his own life.
In his first weeks, Riggins has visited several Catholic Charities ministries and met with staff members, program directors and the people they serve.
“They are all so filled with hope. We may not know where they live, but you have been serving and loving your neighbor,” Riggins told those gathered.
He thanked the thousands of volunteers and supporters whose efforts have allowed Catholic Charities to reach those most in need across the diocese. Riggins then shared one of the evening’s most anticipated announcements: a $2 million fundraising goal for the 2027 Catholic Charities ball.
The ambitious target reflects both the community’s growing needs and the organization’s determination to increase its reach through the Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic, emergency assistance services, counseling and meal programs.
Amanda Bunch and Julia Byrne, ball co-chairs, spoke about the ball’s history and the preparations already underway. Bunch reflected on the ball’s remarkable legacy, which began in 1982 and has since welcomed more than 35,000 attendees over its 44 previous celebrations. She noted that the upcoming milestone event could bring the ball’s cumulative fundraising total to nearly $30 million.
“We’re already on our way,” Bunch said, announcing that more than $600,000 had already been gifted and pledged toward the 2027 goal.
The co-chairs also introduced Tom and Laura Bell, who will serve as honorary chairs of the ball, helping broaden engagement and participation.
Tom conveyed the couple’s appreciation for the opportunity to support an organization whose work they deeply admire.
“Laura and I are just super humbled to have been asked to be the honorary chair,” he said, adding that they were eager to help surpass the $2 million fundraising goal. “This is how, as Ron said, we live out our faith, and we support those neighbors that we may never meet,” Tom said.
He also reminded guests that the ball is not only an important fundraising occasion but a wonderful evening of celebration, friendship and fellowship.
Bishop Burbidge offered a concluding prayer, entrusting the upcoming ball’s efforts to the intercession of the Blessed Mother.
Thomas is diocesan deputy director of communications.
Find out more
For more info about Catholic Charities’ ball, go to ccda.net/ball.
