Catholic Woman's League luncheon will raise funds to assist the unborn, mothers and elderly
SALT LAKE CITY — The Catholic Woman’s League will host its annual benefit luncheon, "Fall Tapestry," Oct. 19, at Little America Hotel.
This year’s beneficiaries are The Gabriel Project of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish in Park City and St. Joseph Villa Foundation for Charity Care, also known as the Senior Charity Care Foundation.
The Catholic Woman’s League (CWL) was established in the Diocese of Salt Lake City in 1916. Early in its history, the women worked to serve the unemployed, prison inmates, homeless children and youth in the juvenile court system. The women also supported St. Ann’s Orphanage with annual teas; now membership teas help sponsor girls at Girls’ State.
As a beneficiary, The Gabriel Project will use the proceeds to continue its ministry of helping expectant mothers in need, their children and unborn babies, said Arlene Helfand, St. Mary Parish Gabriel Project coordinator.
"We serve pregnant women who are 15 to 40, who may be alone, vulnerable and afraid by being messengers of hope and joy, mentors who provide emotional and spiritual support and by helping them set goals. The goals include such things as remaining in school and parenting skills," Helfand said. "Our ministry is confidential and open to women regardless of faith or marital status."
The Gabriel project also provides women with transportation to medical appointments, rental assistance, food, clothing and baby items; all of which are donated by St. Mary of the Assumption parishioners, "who find ways to show these mothers love and dignity," said Helfand. "One woman knits new clothing for the babies, while another volunteer takes photos of family members. Another teaches them cooking and nutrition skills, and a 10-year-old girl asked for presents for the new babies instead of presents for herself on her birthday. It is a parish endeavor to reach out to those in need."
The Senior Charity Care Foundation is reaching out to the elderly by helping them meet a variety of medical and dental needs. Beth Ehrhardt, president, is "truly grateful for the precedence that was set by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, who established the former St. Joseph Villa Charity Care Fund on which we based the assistance we now provide to seniors," she said.
Dental care is the most requested need, Ehrhardt continued. "I have found that even seniors who have a small insurance policy cannot afford the balance due on their dental expenses. One senior with two small insurance policies was told by her dentist to come back when she could pay her portion. She saved $50 a month and by the time she returned she needed 11 teeth pulled, two crowns, a cavity filled, a partial denture and a complete top denture."
In another situation, a senior could not afford new eye glasses for nine years, said Ehrhardt. "These stories are so similar to others, and they break my heart," said Ehrhardt. "Hearing aids are just as expensive."
The funds help cover therapies that never were or are no longer covered by Medicare or Medicaid such as acupuncture or walkers. The program changes people lives, Ehrhardt said. "Seniors were struggling along until we met their needs with hearing aids, dentures, or other medical necessities and improved their quality of life."
WHAT: Catholic Woman’s League Benefit Luncheon
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 19
WHERE: Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main Street, SLC
Social hour starts at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and a fashion show. Tickets are $35 per person. Mail reservations with payment by Oct. 9 to Patty Martinez, 934 East Crosswind Way, Draper, UT 84020. No tickets will be sold at the door. For information call 801-571-6952 or email patty@camrina.com.
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