SALT LAKE CITY—Helping refugee students afford school fees and basic necessities and supporting domestic violence prevention and education: These are the causes the Catholic Woman’s League has chosen to assist with this year’s annual benefit luncheon and fashion show, “Fall Tapestry,” on Oct. 6.
Each year the CWL board chooses one Catholic and one non-Catholic organization as beneficiaries of the proceeds from the event’s opportunity drawings and silent auction. This year 16 charities applied.
“There seems to be more 501-c3s asking for some help,” luncheon chair Linda Burt said.
CWL board members chose two organizations from that group: St. Francis Xavier School in Kearns and Peace House in Park City.
St. Francis Xavier School, which serves many middle-class to working poor families, plans to use the funding to help pay for students’ needs not already covered so far this school year.
“We have a population of Sudanese refugee families who can afford very, very little,” Principal Marianne Rozsahegyi said. “Oftentimes we need to help them out with uniforms, shoes, books, supplies and even food.”
These funds will also help students pay fees for field trips, Jr. Jazz and other activities they might otherwise have to miss out on, she said.
“Now we can easily say, ‘Don’t worry, your child can play,’” she said. “It really does take a community to provide an education for children in this diocese. We are very grateful to the Catholic Woman’s League for making this possible.”
Established in 1995 after a local woman was killed by her estranged husband, Peace House provides victims of domestic violence in Summit and Wasatch counties with safe housing and support. It also sponsors community prevention and awareness programs.
“The proceeds from this benefit will help fund our life-changing and lifesaving programs for victims of domestic violence and their children,” Executive Director Kendra Wychoff said. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to have Catholic Woman’s League support Peace House.”
The two organizations will have representatives speak briefly about their programs at the luncheon.
The League is still accepting gifts for its silent auction, which debuted last year and is intended to bring in additional funds for the recipients. In 2017 the League auctioned off a cherry sapphire diamond necklace, a custom-designed witch’s hat and a watercolor painting by League board member Marie Suchyta.
In addition to the silent auction, more than 40 items will be available for the opportunity drawings. These items generally range in value from $50 to $300. Some of the prizes this year include a KitchenAid, Sego Lily Barbecue, theater tickets and restaurant gift cards. Last year the value of the items raffled off was more than $6,000; Burt said there will be at least that many this year.
“We give 100 percent of the proceeds from the opportunity drawings and silent auction to the receiving charities,” Burt said. Last year $6,000 was raised.
This year for the first time the League will be able to accommodate those wishing to use a credit card to purchase tickets or bid on the silent auction items.
The event will also include a fashion show with League members as models.
The goal is to increase attendance at the annual benefit luncheon to 260, Burt said.
“This event is open to women of all faiths and ages,” she said. “We really encourage the community to support us.”
WHAT: Catholic Woman’s League Fall Benefit Luncheon
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: The Little America Hotel, 500 Main St., Salt Lake City
Individual tickets are $38. Tables for 10 with priority seating can be reserved for $450. For reservations, contact Jenny Maffuccio, 435-640-1101 or jlmaffuccio@icloud.com.
Stay Connected With Us