CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte invites everyone to attend its “Vineyard of Hope” virtual fundraising event, set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22.
The fundraiser – a critical source of support for Catholic Charities in the Charlotte region – is being held online this year due to public health restrictions on in-person gatherings. Through the virtual event, people will be able to gather online to celebrate and support Catholic Charities’ work in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties.
The virtual event will feature speakers including Bishop Peter J. Jugis and Monsignor Patrick J. Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte.
Vineyard of Hope participants will also hear from keynote speaker Luis Lobo, Truist Bank executive vice president and multicultural banking manager; Sandy Buck, Charlotte region director; and Dr. Gerard Carter, Catholic Charities’ executive director and CEO.
Two annual awards will be given: the Fruit of the Vine Award, which will be given to John R. McLaughlin, Jr.; and the Volunteer of the Year Award, which will be given to Mike and April Buttner.
People who have participated in Catholic Charities’ programs will also share how their lives have been changed by the help they have received over the past year, thanks to the generosity of so many supporters and volunteers.
“Over this past year, we’ve witnessed the heavy toll of COVID-19 on the lives of so many people in the Charlotte metro area who come to Catholic Charities for assistance,” Carter said. “Because of the generous benefactors who contribute through Vineyard of Hope, we’re able to provide help and hope to those who are struggling.”
The April 22 virtual fundraising event aims to bring together parishioners, friends and clergy from across the Charlotte region to raise the funds necessary to provide support and relief to even more people and families continuing to struggle during the pandemic, he said.
“We are so grateful to all of our partners in carrying out the Church’s ministry of charity,” Carter said.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Register now
At www.ccvineyardofhope.org: Register and get more details about the 2021 Vineyard of Hope free virtual event