Catholic Charities West Virginia’s (CCWVa) tenth annual Gala, entitled “Shining a Light on Hope,” will be celebrated Saturday, March 7, at Wheeling Park’s White Palace. The Gala will benefit CCWVa’s programs and services in 17 counties in northern West Virginia.
“This year we are celebrating the hope we see in those we serve with our theme of Shining a Light on Hope,” said Beth Zarate, CCWVa chief executive officer. “We are also privileged to present four Charity in Action Awards to charitable individuals and groups who have performed meaningful service and demonstrated compassion for others.”
The recipients of the 2020 Charity in Action Award are Linda Ferns (Wheeling), Ned Sawyers (Kingwood), Riesbeck’s Food Markets (Wheeling), and St. Michael Parish and School (Wheeling).
Linda Ferns
Linda Ferns has been a volunteer at the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center in Wheeling for 23 years. She volunteers with meal delivery routes and helps at the Annual Spaghetti Dinner.
Linda also tutors at a local elementary school on a weekly basis, and she serves as a Eucharistic Minister at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
“Linda has a quiet passion for serving people in need, and she has demonstrated time and again a willingness to personally serve those less fortunate,” said Mark Phillips, CCWVa Northern Region Director.
Ned Sawyers
Ned Sawyers has been an active volunteer throughout his life. Ned organized the Cross Catholic Food Packing campaign as a member of the Knights of Columbus in Kingwood.
Ned coordinates and raises funds for food packaging events across West Virginia. The food is distributed to those in need in West Virginia and in impoverished countries overseas.
“Ned has been the driving force of the Cross Catholic Food Packing campaign to date, and in two years, has packaged 165,000 meals for the hungry,” said Scott Nale, member of the Knights of Columbus of Kingwood.
Riesbeck’s Food Markets
Riesbeck’s Food Markets work to include the less fortunate in its communities through charitable donations and 
service to non-profit organizations. Many of these partnerships have been in place for more than 10 years.
Local non-profit volunteers receive and load food donations from Riesbeck’s store locations, and then deliver these donations to food pantries and food kitchens in northern West Virginia and Ohio.
“Our people and our communities are blessed to be beneficiaries of Riesbeck’s long-standing demonstrations of charity,” said Phillips.
St. Michael Parish and School
St. Michael Parish and School has a strong legacy of cultivating faith-filled people who answer the call to serve others. Acts of charity are an integral part of daily life at the church and school.
Many St. Michael parishioners volunteer at the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center in Wheeling, assisting with food pantry distributions, serving hot meals, and delivering meals to those who are homebound. The church has also adopted a “bread run” ministry, receiving and delivering day-old bread from area businesses.
“Without hesitation, the community of St. Michael’s Parish and School always steps up to give to their neighbors,” said Phillips. “In the Catholic tradition, St. Michael the archangel is a champion of all Christians, and so are the good people of St. Michael Parish.”
“Catholic Charities is here to provide services to people in need. We consider it a tremendous privilege to be in a position to help others,” said Zarate. “We are blessed and inspired by many partners who walk this journey with us, and we’re honored to recognize these dedicated individuals and groups.”
The cost for the Gala is $100 per person. Tickets include a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing. Reservations can be made by calling (304) 905-9860 or by visiting Shining a Light on Hope Gala.
