Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, Inc., celebrates the 2011 Justice for ALL event, recognizing the spirit of community and giving—and honoring special individuals and organizations for exceptional service.
The 2011 Annual Justice for ALL Dinner will be held:
In its eighth year, the Justice for ALL Dinner recognizes individuals and groups who exemplify outstanding spirit of community, social justice and goodwill. “The 2010 Justice for ALL dinner raised more than $100,000, which in turn, enabled Catholic Charities to provide direct assistance to end crises, create stabilization within families, prevent eviction and utility disconnection, fulfill prescription needs and provide food to more than 1,800 families and individuals throughout the Diocese,” says Kevin Hickey, Executive Director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden. “We celebrate the good works of individuals and organizations—and we also share success stories to help educate the community on the impact we make when we help others in need.”
Success stories are the foundation of Catholic Charities. “About a year ago, we met a single Iraqi man, who was forced to stop working because of a debilitating injury on his ankle—something he experienced earlier in his life,” explains Jennifer Dyer, Associate Director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden. This client received help to apply for charitable care at a local hospital as his medical plan wouldn’t cover this surgery. “Justice for ALL funds supplemented the client’s portion of the surgical procedure—and he’s completing his recovery.”
He is looking forward to improving his quality of life in the United States by furthering his studies and returning to work. “Coming to this country as a single man wasn’t easy,” the client says. “I am very grateful for the help you provided to me.”
Each year, awards are given in the areas of leadership, parish/community ministry, social ministry and social justice.
“Mother Teresa taught us that to keep a lamp burning, we need to keep putting oil into it,” said Kevin Hickey, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, Inc.
“The 2011 JFA honorees have each kept the light of charity and justice burning through their service and commitment to the poor, the vulnerable and those without a voice. Jewish tradition reminds us that when we save one life, we save the world. Catholic teaching reminds us that we are all in solidarity with one another as the Body of Christ. We are grateful to our honorees for witnessing to these truths,” he said.
This year’s Justice for ALL Honorees:
Ron Evans of Camden, recipient of The Peter J. O’Connor Award for Social Justice
Twenty years ago, Ron Evans, a lifelong resident of Camden, a Korean War Veteran and a retired employee of the U.S. Department of Labor, was searching for a way to address the growing problems in his community. Feeling frustrated at what he found, he was looking for an organization with a commitment that was non-partisan and trying to work for change. As a result, Evans established the PICO affiliate Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP) which works to address the problems of unemployment, crime, inadequate housing and healthcare as well as the unmet needs of youth, senior citizens, families and congregations in the city.
Jim & Lynn Cummings of Pennsauken, recipients of The Msgr. Michael Doyle and Msgr. Robert McDermott Award for Parish and Community Ministry
Belief in family and partnership has been a theme in the lives of Jim and Lynn Cummings since their relationship began. Whether they are ministering to their community family through Neighbors Empowering Pennsauken, ministering to their parish family through their participation in the Worldwide Marriage Encounter, or ministering to the Cummings family and their legacy through passions like Build Jake’s Place, they are doing it as a couple and their lives and the lives of those around them have been more fulfilled as a result.
Monsignor Michael Mannion of Pennsauken, recipient of The Sister Grace Nolan Award for Social Ministry
Msgr. Mannion, currently the director of Community Relations for the Diocese of Camden, has been involved in many ministries over the course of his career. As rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden, he established strong relationships with area community leaders, non-profits and law enforcement agencies. Active in pro-life work, both in the Diocese and internationally, he has worked with the Diocesan Pro Life office and as a moderator for Project Rachel, a ministry to women who have had abortions. His most recent passion in the service of others is his work with Discovery Ministries, a retreat program for youth, young adults and families.
The Ravitz Family from Generation to Generation of Cherry Hill, recipient of The Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Award for Leadership
Through the Ravitz Family Foundation, generations of the Ravitz’s have been aiding children and families in need in Southern New Jersey since 1996. The Ravitz family – owners of Supermarkets of Cherry Hill, Inc., which operates six ShopRite supermarkets in the area – generously support local charitable organizations, religious groups, schools and members of the community. Through their passion and dedication to helping others, the Ravitz’s have made making a difference in the lives of their neighbors a “family affair”.
Tickets are $95.00 per person. All proceeds will be used to provide direct assistance to clients in all six counties of the diocese: Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem.
For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Giovina Price at (856)583-6126 or visit www.CatholicCharitiesCamden.org
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, is a faith-based agency rooted in the Gospel and in the social teaching of the Catholic Church. Catholic Charities serves more than 40,000 individuals and families at 12 sites in Southern New Jersey. Catholic Charities provides high-quality services to the poor and needy on a non-discriminatory, non-sectarian basis.