The award is presented annually in memory of Marcella Strategier, a long time agency volunteer who left a sizeable bequest to Catholic Charities.  In honor of Marcella, the agency recognizes members of the community who have advanced the agency’s mission to “promote healing, restore hope and affirm human potential.” Pete Sartori provided eight years of service as a board member at Catholic Charities, joining the board in 1974. During his tenure the agency expanded services to include professional counseling, parenting education and school counseling.  In 1978 he help facilitate the incorporation of Catholic Charities and in 1979 shepherded the relocation of the agency from a small house in the parking lot of theLatinSchool to the current address in Latonia.  With wife Mary, a graduate of the diocesan Ministry Development, the Sartoris are exemplars of the kind, gentle and generous servants who have supported the mission of Catholic Charities since its beginnings.

 Attendees also listened to Mark, a client of the agency’s financial counseling and mortgage restructuring services. Mark gave an inspiring presentation about the help he had received that resulted in his being able to keep his home. He was particularly impressed by the respect with which he was treated and about the high level of professionalism of the staff.

 Bishop Foys added his endorsement to the effectiveness of the services of the agency, rooted as they are in the ministry of Jesus and in Catholic social teaching.  He expressed his thanks and encouragement to the staff, board and patrons of the agency. Similar endorsements were provided by Linda Young, Executive Director of Welcome House, Marvin Wischer, president of the Latonia Business Association, and Judge Gary Moore of theBoone County Fiscal Court.

 In his closing remarks, John Dorning, the Annual Campaign Chair, stated “We are pleased by the outpouring of good will.  In times such as these, we see an increase in the needs presented to the agency.  So we again come to you, the generous members of our community who are also feeling the effects of the economic slowdown, to step forward, realizing that the needs are many and the resources few.”

Those who wish to participate in this campaign aimed to assist families in Northern Kentucky to find their “place in this world” can contact Cathy Hiance at 859-581-8974 or visit our donations page.