CCS to honor seven at Humanitarian Awards dinner

Courtesy photo/CCS

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Among those whom CCS will recognize as Humanitarians at the annual dinner are Spencer F. and Cleone Eccles. 

SALT LAKE CITY — Catholic Community Services’ (CCS) upcoming annual Humanitarian Awards dinner will pay tribute to seven honorees who are "all tremendous humanitarians in our community," said Jose Lazaro, CCS director of development and marketing. "The CCS Partner of the Year is Mark Franken, who was formerly with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for more than 30 years. He was one of the pioneers in refugee resettlement, and much of what takes place now is a result of his hard work."

Danielle Stamos, CCS public relations and marketing coordinator, added that Franken served during the Vietnam War and when he was honorably discharged he became involved in refugee resettlement throughout his career.

The Humanitarians of the Year include President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Harriet. "Uchtdorf, himself, was a refugee during World War II and he can relate to the struggles of the refugees we settle now," said Lazaro. "He and his wife have been tremendous humanitarians, leading projects throughout the world for the Mormon church."

Others to be recognized as Humanitarians are Spencer F. and Cleone Eccles and Robert and Wendy Steiner, who "also are tremendous humanitarians and longstanding pillars in our community," said Lazaro.

Also receiving the Humanitarian award are the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and the Catholic Woman’s League. The DCCW has been uniting women’s organizations for 84 years for spiritual and leadership direction as well as helping the poor. The CWL has been in the Diocese of Salt Lake for 96 years. It is both a spiritual and philanthropic organization; its members attend state legislative meetings to keep apprised of governmental matters and volunteer at places such as the Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Florence Holtshouser has been selected as the Unsung Hero. "She has been a volunteer for more than 50 years, ensuring that some of the most underserved individuals in our community receive food," said Lazaro. "Not only that, but she has such a warm smile and a simple ‘hello,’ which, for many of the homeless, is the only interaction they have during the day."

Stamos added that "Florence loves being among her homeless friends at Saint Vincent de Paul. She is there faithfully almost every day, unless it snows. Even when she was working she would go to the center on holidays. Her kids grew up serving the poor with her because she would bring them."

CCS is looking forward to another good turnout for the dinner, said Lazaro. "We have been very blessed in the past to have a full house and we are hoping to do the same again. However, there are still tables available. The cost for an individual is $150 and there are several levels of sponsorship for tables."

Donors have underwritten the cost of the dinner, so all the proceeds that are raised from the dinner will go toward CCS’ 10 programs: Immigration and Refugee Resettlement, Refugee Foster Care, Saint Mary’s Home for Men, Saint Vincent de Paul Center, Weigand Day Center, Emergency Assistance in Salt Lake City, Emergency Services Program in Northern Utah, Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank, Saint Martha’s Baby Layette Project in Ogden.