Soul Man Gala - Hit It!

More than $1.1 million was raised at the Spirit of Charity Gala Saturday, May 17, 2014 at the Hilton Americas a memorable evening filled with spirit, soul, and surprises. The evening was held in support of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, this event, playfully dubbed the “Soul Man Gala,” honored the Most Rev. George A. Sheltz, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese. Inspired by the 1980s film, “The Blues Brothers,” the co-chairs – Anne and David Dunlap and Gayelene and Ralph McIngvale – borrowed the theme, “One a Mission from God,” to honor Bishop Sheltz and showcase the important work of Catholic Charities.

Deana and Baily Blackburn and Lisa and Michael Pearson – Gala Guests

Highlights of the evening included: a flash mob that ushered guests from the reception into dinner via conga line; life-sized statues of the movie’s characters, including “Joliet” Jake and Elwood Blues themselves; custom fedoras by Gabriela Dror given as party favors; and a Blues Brothers band that kept things going late into the night! The event was well attended, with guests including Jan Duncan, Raye White, Deana Blackburn, Jeb Bashaw, Blanche and Charlie Morello, Ginger and John Niemann, Lisa and Tom Ganucheau, Sally and Michael Youtt, Heidi and Craig Warner, and many other friends of Catholic Charities.

Serving more than 77,000 people annually, the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston provides various social services that are aimed at promoting and facilitating self-sufficiency. Services include basic needs assistance, affordable home ownership and transitional housing programs, counseling, disaster recovery, HIV/AIDS ministry, refugee resettlement, immigrant legal services, pregnancy services, adoption and foster care, pregnancy services, and case management for seniors.

The money raised through the Spirit of Charity Gala will support Catholic Charities’ myriad programs, and further our true mission from God: to be people of faith helping people in need achieve self-sufficiency and live with dignity. Every year we support more than 77,000 individuals and families, regardless of religious belief or affiliation. We nurture and care for children, strengthen families, support refugees and immigrants, and promote independence for seniors and other vulnerable adults.

– Information provided by Catholic Charities events, Zarinah K. Poole.

For more information, visit www.catholiccharities.org.

Photos by Genesis Photography