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WINSTON-SALEM — The atmosphere at the Catholic Social Services' recent Partners in Hope dinner fundraiser was one of joy, gratitude and resolute expectations for the coming year. The annual fundraiser garnered more than $110,000 in donations to support the wide-ranging work of Catholic Social Services.

This year's Partners in Hope Award was given to the Triad Area Order of Malta. Special recognition was given to James J. Lentz, William T. Lawler and Monsignor Anthony J. Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro. When extensive remodeling and repairs were needed at Catholic Social Services offices, Order of Malta volunteers rolled up their sleeves, brought their tools, expertise and enthusiasm and went to work.

"They took on every aspect of the project from start to finish. They were incredible," said Diane Bullard, Catholic Social Services' regional office director. "Now we have a much needed conference room."

The keynote speaker was Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan of the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. Bishop Sullivan is respected nationally for his work in Catholic social and human services. At the Partners in Hope dinner, he spoke eloquently of the true meaning of charity – the Catholic meaning of charity. He praised the work being done in the Charlotte diocese and noted that the hard work and generosity of the laity here is wind in the sails of the Catholic Social Services.

Father Brian J. Cook, pastor of St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem and a Catholic Social Services board member, also spoke, inviting guests to make a donation that evening. He encouraged the dinner guests to give generously, not out of sadness or despair in light of the great needs still to be met, but to give out of joy and hopefulness.

Last year the Piedmont Triad Office provided 105,853 pounds of food to 8,011 people, provided support to 56 babies born to teen parents, assisted 327 people with immigration services and much more. Support Catholic Social Services and learn more online at www.cssnc.org.

— Annette Tenny, Catholic News Herald