Catholic Charities recognizes its supporters at reception
The Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland and the Catholic Charities Lake County Board of Advisors recently hosted the seventh annual Building Bridges Recognition event at Independence Grove in Libertyville.
More than 200 people attended a cocktail reception and a short program to thank donors, volunteers and board members for supporting the work of Catholic Charities Lake County Services. Three awards were presented.
Ÿ The Building Bridges Award recognizes a parish or group that directly supports Catholic Charities’ mission. The recipient of this award was St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Gurnee.
For the past 10 years, the parish has been the largest donor to Catholic Charities Lake County Christmas Gift Program, sponsoring 2,200 people in the adopt-a-family program.
In addition, the parish hosts Catholic Charities’ Lake County Family Self-Sufficiency Program achievement celebrations and holiday parties. The parish is also an active member of the Lake County Parish Outreach Committee.
Ÿ The Monsignor Holbrook Award was given to Jim Lentino. This award is given to an individual whose dedication has made a significant difference in the lives of the people Catholic Charities serves to recognize their outstanding service in support of the agency.
The Holbrook Award honors the memory of the late Monsignor Thomas J. Holbrook, administrator of Catholic Charities from 1972 until his death in 1984. Lentino is a longtime board member and an officer of the Catholic Charities Lake County Board.
Lentino is a dedicated professional who shares his expertise in the areas of strategic planning and board development, assisting Catholic Charities’ strategic planning process by facilitating discussions among leadership.
He was instrumental in restructuring the Lake County Board of Advisors, creating effective teams. Lentino launched the annual Lake County Board Mass & Social, and is a loyal supporter of all agency events and initiatives.
Ÿ The Agnes Kelliher Corporate Spirit Award was given to Wintrust Financial Corporation. This award salutes those corporate neighbors who consider the poor and share their resources to better society.
This award is named after Agnes Kelliher, the first executive director of Catholic Charities Lake County Services. From 1945 to 1965, Kelliher worked tirelessly to establish Catholic Charities as a significant social services provider in the county. Wintrust Financial has been instrumental in supporting and assisting Catholic Charities by implementing its Assets for Independence Program.
The AFI Program assists individuals and families to develop personal money management skills, a savings plan, and progress to purchasing an asset such as their first home. As an incentive, Wintrust matches participants’ savings, resulting in additional purchase power.
Wintrust Financial is also a loyal supporter of many Catholic Charities events and programs.