Those are the words of Executive Director, Michael Bourg.... And a great time was had June 21st, when SVdP membership, supporters and friends came together for food, fellowship and to celebrate Love & Service.
With the third post-covid fundraising event behind us, the future is looking bright for SVdP NOLA!
For the first time, the St. Vincent de Paul New Orleans annual gala fundraiser was a sold-out event; as close to 250 attendees came out to the Alexander Room & Terrace and enjoyed great music by the Vegas Cola Band and, along with the celebration of servant leaders.
2024 Rosalie Rendu Award recipient, Doug Kariker
photo by Machiel Birkhoff, nolaphotoholic
The following individuals were recognized for outstanding service to the Society and advocacy:
Gilda “Cuqui” Moore-Top Hat Award recipient, St. Francis Xavier conference
Doug Kariker-Blessed Rosalie Rendu Award recipient, Good Shepherd conference
Joey Roman-Blessed Frederic Ozanam Award recipient, St. Rita conference
Sr. Catherine Kelly, DC-Emmanuel Bailly Award recipient – SVdP Council Spiritual Advisor
Rev. Gary Copping-St. Vincent de Paul Award recipient-St. Joseph Church & Shrine conference/parish
“The gala was great,” long time Vincentian and award recipient Doug Kariker shared. “The food, entertainment and Christian fellowship made this Gala the best. Receiving the Rosalie Rendu award was a great honor. I accept it on behalf of all my wonderful associates at SVdP and Catholic Charities of New Orleans (CCANO).”
From the silent auction to the ever-popular restaurant raffle, guests tried their luck for an array of specialty items, spa experiences, and artwork, which helped the 2024 Gala proceeds reach a little over 90 thousand dollars. The event also brought out a few first-time attendees.
“This year, five members of my conference who would never have been able to come to a gala were able to do so,” said Christ the King conference president, Richard Carbo. “This afforded them the opportunity to see SVdP as an organization, beyond our little conference. To see Deacons, Sisters, Priests, in attendance declaring ‘I am a Vincentian’, as well as the camaraderie among eastbank and northshore members... this really showed what we’re all about.”
2024 Emmanuel Bailly Award recipient, Sr. Catherine Kelly, DC and SVdP Executive Director, Michael Bourg
photo by Machiel Birkhoff, nolaphotoholic
The festivities appropriately ended with Vegas Cola’s rendition of the 70’s classic, We Are Family, as the Vincentians danced and sang the words of love and unity.
We hope to see everyone in 2025 as we continue to celebrate love & service to those in need.
photos by Machiel Birkhoff, nolaphotoholic
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