Tickets for the event cost $25, which includes dinner, refreshments and entertainment provided by the Soulard Blues Band. Catholic Charities will also be presenting distinguished service awards to Gaye and Barry Julian of Edwardsville and to Sister Stephanie Turk, CDP, for their outstanding examples of community spirit and compassion towards people who are suffering.
Additionally that evening, a $10,000 top prize will be awarded through a raffle drawing that will take place during the festivities. A total of 1,000 raffle chances are being sold for $25 each. The second-prize winner will receive a 42-inch flat screen TV. Attendance at the fundraiser is not required to participate in the raffle.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the services provided through the Alton and Granite City offices of Madison County Catholic Charities. These programs include the Guardian Angel Food Pantry, Professional Counseling Solutions, MedAssist, Emergency Financial Assistance, Faith In Action, Catholic Charities Legal Services and the Mobile Food Pantry.
“Catholic Charities remains a strong presence of mercy and hope in our communities,” said Susie Harris, Catholic Charities area director. “We want people to come out and celebrate with us and to know that our 70-year commitment to this area is stronger than ever. We have recently expanded our services and we are now serving more people than we ever have before.”
The two newest programs established this past year are Catholic Charities Legal Services (CCLS) and the Mobile Food Pantry program which responds to the problem of food insecurity throughout the rural communities of Madison, Jersey and Bond counties. Since its inception last August, the Mobile Food Pantry has made monthly deliveries including stops in Fieldon, Pocahontas, Hardin and Jerseyville, serving hundreds of individuals and families that include many children, veterans and seniors.
To purchase tickets for “Help on the Move,” chances for the $10,000 raffle or to sponsor this year’s event contact Jackie Tucker or Jan Manns at (618) 462-0634. Raffle chances can also be purchased online at www.cc.dio.org.