LIFESTYLES | CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
Catholic Charities Gala Catholic Charities Gala Chairmen Tom and Karen Natelli explain their support of a noble mission BY TO M A N D K A R E N N AT E L L I
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ome things in life just make sense; like chairing Accomplished Staff: The staff at Catholic the 2015 Catholic Charities Gala. Char ities has leveraged more than 8,700 We are honored to have been entrusted with this volunteers to help stretch their work even further, opportunity to steward the largest annual fundraiser including pro bono services of medical and legal for an organization serving more than 120,000 men, professionals valued at more than $16.7 million women, and children annually. last year alone. Whether it’s a place to sleep for the night, a hot Verified Excellence: The National Council meal, counseling, mental health care, job training and on Accreditation recognizes Catholic Charities placement, a safe shelter from domestic violence, or as a non-profit employing best practices in its even free legal representation, Catholic Charities programs and its administration. Its medical clinic Tom and Karen Natelli, Chairmen of this year’s Catholic Charities Gala has become a fountain of support for many of the in Montgomery County received a 100 percent (Courtesy photo) neediest families in the Washington area. Lending administrative rating and a 98.6 percent clinical our support and efforts to ensure Catholic Charities has the resources to rating for its work. The Behavioral Health Program earned the first provide these vital services is a natural extension of our personal faith. ever five-star rating from the D.C. government last year. So, why is your support of Catholic Charities a good investment in Catholic Charities comprises an amazing group of people who have our community? committed their lives to helping others.They are providing services that Location, location, location: There are 65 vital community programs are vital to tens of thousands of families in serious need in our region. housed in 47 locations across the region, creating a network of support at The help is unconditional. That’s good for these families, and it’s good the local neighborhood level that is readily accessible to those in need. for Washington.
Prevent Cancer Foundation The Irish Ambassador works to prevent cancer in the United States and abroad BY ANNE ANDERSON, AMBASSADOR OF IRELAND
IIrish Amb. Anne Anderson (center) with dancers from the Culkin School of Irish Dance at the Prevent Cancer Foundation 21st Annual Spring Gala. (Photo by Jack Hartzman Photography)
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was delighted to partner with the Prevent Cancer Foundation and serve as honorary patron at its 21st Annual Spring Gala in March. The gala, which paid homage to “Ireland: Legendary and Contemporary”, was a huge success and raised more than $1.6 million to advance the foundation’s work. I am a strong believer in the foundation’s mission. The cause resonates with me personally — many people very dear to me have had
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their lives affected by cancer. At a national level, my country is firmly committed to being in the forefront of the fight against this disease. The Prevent Cancer Foundation is the only U.S. non-profit organization dedicated solely to cancer prevention and early detection. It was founded nearly 30 years ago, when “prevention” was not part of the national or international health conversation. Over the years, the foundation has fought steadfastly to change that, and has helped to ensure that prevention and early detection are now seen as integral to the overall effort. The objective is to stop cancer before it starts — through lifestyle choices, screening and early diagnosis. That approach will be an important part of Ireland’s next National Cancer Strategy to be adopted this year. It also underpins our national goal of becoming a tobaccofree country by 2025. By working together we can achieve meaningful, measurable, change. To learn more about the Prevent Cancer Foundation, or how to reduce your cancer risk, please visit www.preventcancer.org.
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