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The 44th annual Catholic Charities Ball sold out the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner Feb. 6.
More than 900 guests gathered to celebrate the mission of Catholic Charities. The initial goal of $1.7 million was exceeded, and a total of $1.8 million was raised.
This year’s ball chairs were Amanda Bunch and Kelly Kundinger. The theme, “United in Fath and Love,” reflected the community rooted in Christ, where faith is strengthened by love and lived out through service and charity, according to organizers.
Kundinger, an Arlington native and a parishioner of St. Agnes Church in Arlington, follows in the footsteps of her mother who was a ball chair 20 years ago. Kundinger credits much of the ball’s success to volunteers.
“The volunteers have been the lifeblood of this ball for decades and it has been a pleasure to serve among so many wonderful individuals, especially my co-chair, Amanda Bunch, to support a mission near and dear to our hearts,” said Kundinger.
Bunch, who was raised in Oklahoma but has been in Northern Virginia for the past 20 years, is a parishioner of St. James Church in Falls Church.
“It’s been inspiring to see how deeply everyone involved cares about the mission of the church and the incredible work these charities are doing,” said Bunch.
Once the guests were seated and salads served, Stephen Carattini, diocesan Catholic Charities president and CEO, took to the podium.
“The impact of your generosity is profound,” said Carattini. “This past year we shared the love and consolation of Jesus Christ with nearly 34,000 people throughout our diocese, each with a unique story.”
Last fiscal year, a total of $8.5 million in support was provided to those in need with $3.6 million going to food, $2.5 million to free medical assistance, $851,358 in emergency support, and $1.5 million in refugee assistance.
Catholic Charities was able to provide 19,877 meals to the hungry at its Christ House in Alexandria, and 70 adults and children received housing, life skills and employment skills at St. Margaret of Cortona Transitional and Maternity Housing or Christ House. Almost 43,000 pounds of essential hygiene and household products were given to more than 6,600 individuals. Some 1,613 adults received education, 829 adults and teens were provided with mental health counseling, and 298 individuals were served through pregnancy and adoption support ministries.
“When I look out here tonight this is what I see: Great people united in faith and love, faith that causes the love and a love that causes service,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. “Every day people come to Catholic Charities seeking help and often hope. A pregnant mother unsure where to turn, a family facing eviction, a young person struggling with loneliness or mental health challenges, an elderly neighbor in need of care, a refugee family searching for safety and stability. In each encounter, Catholic Charities responds not only with services but with dignity, compassion and love.”
The James J. Matthews Legacy Award was bestowed on Laura and Bob Tramonte, parishioners of St. James Church. The Tramontes have dedicated 25 years to helping Catholic Charities. Laura’s service began when she was a teenager and since then she has chaired the 2006 ball after chairing the hospitality and decorations committees. In 2017, Laura was one of the three women who started and chaired the Young Adult Mingle and Mix event. The Tramontes find volunteering a way of life. As owners of The Italian Store, they regularly donate meals, food and specialty baskets to fundraising efforts.
“Our advice to others regarding service would be don’t wait for someone else to do it,” said Laura. “Look at those around you and those programs around you as if a family member needed it desperately. How could you help your family? If you jump in with all your heart and faith, you will be rewarded.”
Roberta Ortwein received the Bishop Paul S. Loverde Legacy Award in recognition of her commitment to serving the poor. A parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Winchester, Roberta moved to Virginia in 2020 and discovered Catholic Charities Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Front Royal. Nearly every day, she assists with processing food donations and oversees outgoing food during client distributions.
Praised by both staff and fellow volunteers, Roberta was celebrated for her selfless service, unwavering dependability and genuine love for others. She was called a cornerstone of the pantry operations and a shining example of what it means to serve with heart.
After the awards, a video highlighting Catholic Charities ministries was screened showing the testimonials of people Catholic Charities has helped and its employees.
Next year’s Catholic Charities Ball will be Jan. 29.
