Catholic Charities' fundraiser honors volunteers, staff

To thousands of residents in the Capital District, Catholic Charities and its army of loyal volunteers were nothing short of heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic. But just for a night, they’re hanging up their capes for a well-deserved tribute. 

In honor of their hours of volunteering and commitment, the “CC Heroes” are being recognized at Catholic Charities’ ninth annual Night at the Museum event, held on Thursday, June 17. The fundraiser - which will be virtual for the second year in a row - will benefit regional programs and services operated by Catholic Charities. The program will be broadcasted live from the Irish Heritage Museum in Albany. 

“I look forward to Night at the Museum every year and I am particularly pleased to be honoring our CC Heroes in 2021,” said Vincent W. Colonno, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. “Our staff and volunteers have gone above and beyond in their mission to serve and care for others. For months, we have seen the needs of our communities grow and for months these heroes have worked hard to meet those needs.”

Last year alone, more than 100,000 individuals received assistance from Catholic Charities, including housing, food services, emergency assistance, disabilities services and caregiver support, among other services. Catholic Charities’ ramped up their food distributions as families struggled to put food on the table, and helped over 50,000 individuals and distributed over one million pounds of food for people in need.

The Night at the Museum program begins at 7 p.m. For the early birds, a panel discussion on COVID-19 and Housing Stability featuring Catholic Charities’ front-line housing experts will air prior to the program at 6:15 p.m.

The main event will include talks from panelists such as Lynn Glueckert, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties, Adrian Charles Hill, Community Organizer, United Tenants of Albany and Kathleen Ide, former Director of Supported Housing & Compliance for Catholic Charities Housing Office. 

A special tribute will be made to the volunteers and workers at Catholic Charities to honor their time and dedication during the on-going public health crisis at the beginning of the event. 

A drawing for a private dining experience and other prize packages from local restaurants will also take place. 

“Our volunteers and staff in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties truly are heroes, working relentlessly in support of our neighbors,” said Glueckert in a press release. “Looking back at these past several months, I don’t know where we would be without them. I am thrilled to be able to honor them in this way, while also highlighting the continued needs within our communities, such as affordable housing and rental assistance.” 

For tickets and details on the Night at the Museum event visit www.ccrcda.org. All attendees will receive an access link prior to the evening’s panel and program. 

About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany       

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany is one of the largest, private social services organizations in the region. Serving 14 counties around the Capital District across some 10,000 square miles, Catholic Charities serves and empowers all persons in need, regardless of race, creed, religion, or lifestyle, as well as advocates for a just society and collaborates with women and men of goodwill. Last year, approximately 100,000 people turned to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany for assistance. Through the generous support of donors and the community, we are able to assist the poor and vulnerable with housing, food, emergency assistance, disabilities services, senior services, and much more.