West Side Catholic Center

2007 Event Recap 

Warm Hearts Winter Nights 30^th Anniversary Gala - November 3rd 2007 -  Raises over $181,000!
On Saturday November 3^rd, 2007 the West Side Catholic Center welcomed over 500 guests at the Annual Warm Hearts Winter Nights celebration in a very special year that also celebrates the Center’s 30^th Anniversary.  This evening began at a special Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with celebrant Most Rev. Roger Gries.  Guests then boarded Lolly the Trolley for a ride over to the Historic Hyatt at the Arcade where they were greeted by St. Ignatius, Cleveland Central Catholic and St. Joseph Academy students who volunteered their entire Saturday afternoon and evening (during high school football playoffs!) to help celebrate the evening.
 
The Old Arcade, on the National Historic Register, is one of the most unique venues in the city for a special gathering and many of our guests commented on “how long it had been” since they had walked the brass-lined corridors among the twinkling lights. During dinner, WSCC board director Micheel Settoni graciously emceed, welcomed guests and introduced several short videos produced his company, Broadcast Media Inc.

Multi-media screens throughout the Arcade showcased the 30-year history of WSCC, as well as honoring Fr. Robert J Welsh, SJ as the 2007 recipient of the Sr. Kathleen Kilbane, CSJ Walk In Faith Award.  As Fr. Welsh stepped up to the podium to accept his award with thunderous applause from all 500 in attendance on their feet, he was also presented with a Congressional Record from Laurie Rokakis of Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s office.  

Executive Director, Jerry Skoch then turned to a look at the future of the Center, with a short video chronicling the life of former WSCC client Jerome, who, through the support of several WSCC programs has moved from homelessnes to permanent housing, resumed an independent life and also become a volunteer advocate for others.  Jerome - in attendance, gave a moving speech of gratitude and insight to the problems faced by homeless persons.  Final words of the evening were delivered by David Dombrowiak, President of the Community West Foundation - a new partner with the West Side Catholic Center in helping launch the “Zacchaeus Project – a Start to Ending Homelessness” . 

After all of the good news, the only thing left to do was enjoy dessert and await the word on who would take home the “First Pitch” package donated by the Cleveland Indians and 25 other AMAZING raffle baskets made available by chance through hugely successful Eight Hearts Raffle..  The goal of this event was exceeded by over $50,000, with highest recorded attendance ever – all to the benefit of our clients.  
 

Perhaps all that’s left to say is “What a way to celebrate -  Happy 30^th, WSCC!” Thanks to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered!                          

REMINDER!!!!! Save the Date - Mark your calendar for November 8th, 2008!