Catholic Charities of Orange County Announce 2017 Caritas Award Honorees

From Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange County: Dr. Dean Scher, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan, and Board Chair Tom Urtz are pleased to announce the names of Catholic Charities’ 2017 Caritas Award honorees.

The 2017 Caritas Award honorees are:

- Commissioner Joseph Todora, LMSW Sullivan County Division of Health and Human Services

- Mediacom Communications Corp.

- Fr. Charles O’Connor, O.F.M. Holy Cross Church, Callicoon

The Caritas Award for Lifetime Achievement will be presented to:

- Susan Murray-Tetz

Board Chair (2012-2016) and Board Member (since 2006)

The awards will be presented at Catholic Charities’ 11th anniversary Celebration of Charity dinner on Thursday, March 23, 2017,at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor.

The Caritas Awards are presented by Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan each year to members of the community who exemplify the non-profit human service agency’s mission to provide help and create hope.

“I am delighted to be announcing the names of the 2017 Caritas Award honorees as one of my first responsibilities as Board Chair,” said Mr. Urtz. “Each honoree exemplifies Catholic Charities’ mission to provide help and create hope for those most in need in our community. They take action, get involved, and have a heartfelt desire to make a difference in the lives of others,” added Urtz.

Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan is an integral part of the care delivery system for Orange and Sullivan Counties. Services include a full continuum of support for those suffering from the disease of addiction, as well as prevention programs for youth and adults. Case management, eviction prevention, and housing resource services are also available to provide assistance to those facing issues of homelessness, hunger, and destitution. Last year, Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan served more than 42,000 individuals and families, regardless of religion or ability to pay, and continued to expand the availability of services in Sullivan County.

“It is thanks to the spirit of collaboration and generosity from supporters like our 2017 honorees that Catholic Charities is able to lend a hand up so that the neediest in our community may have the opportunity for a brighter future,” said Dr. Scher. “We look forward to recognizing them for their contributions at the March dinner. Congratulations to each of this year’s Caritas award honorees,” added Dr. Scher.

The 11th anniversary Celebration of Charity will be held Thursday, March 23 at Anthony’s Pier 9. The event starts at 5:30 pmwith a social hour and silent auction, followed by a sit-down dinner and award ceremony. Tickets are $110 per person, or $1000 for a table of 10. A variety of sponsorship and journal ad opportunities are available to recognize the 2017 Caritas award honorees. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Kristin Jensen, Catholic Charities’ Director of Communications and Development, at 845.294.5124, ext. 303 or kristin.jensen@archny.org.

Photo Courtesy of Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange County