CCS breakfast seeks to build hopes and dreams

SALT LAKE CITY – At Catholic Community Services third annual Dream Builder’s Breakfast, attendees can learn about CCS’ mission, the people they serve and how anybody can be part of a success story.

"It has become an annual thing; we did it two years ago for the Salt Lake programs and last year for the program in Ogden, " said Kathryn Brussard, director of Development & Marketing of Catholic Community Services.

At the breakfast, people will be able to hear firsthand what is going on at CCS. "They will learn what is going on in our programs. CCS is such a big agency and sometimes people think we only do one thing, but we do so many things, " said Brussard.

The breakfast is a free event at which speakers will be giving presentations and also sharing success stories.

One of these success stories is about a CCS employee who has been working at St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall.

William Pinkey used to be homeless and had nothing in his life except addictions. One day he approached CCS in search of food and what he encountered changed his life forever.

"He had nothing and terrible problems and he completely changed his life with the help of CCS," said Brussard.

Pinkey has now worked for 12 years with CCS and his life has completely changed.

"I am very happy and grateful to CCS for giving me the opportunity of recovering my life," said Pinkey.

At the breakfast, people can donate either money or time to CCS. "The goal this year is to gather 300 people," said Brussard.

Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general of the diocese, will talk about the history of CCS. He also he will introduce Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, who has been appointed vicar general for the diocese when Msgr. Fitzgerald retires in June.

The breakfast isn’t just about raising money, Brussard said. "We all have hopes and dreams. Everybody deserves the right to live with dignity… We are here to provide hope and help and make dreams come true."

Since 1945, CCS has served Utahns who are most in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or other personal circumstances. CCS programs supply life’s essentials – food, clothing and shelter. CCS feeds the hungry, welcomes the refugee, helps the immigrant and serves the troubled.