MOUNT MORRIS — The Catholic Charities of Livingston County 17th annual anniversary celebration had a little bit of everything – a silent auction, an award ceremony, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, heartfelt speeches, and, of course, local celebrity Felicisimo (Hop Sing) Manapol dressed as a nun in order to sell 50/50 raffle tickets.
The night of fun, sponsored by Toshiba Business Solutions and The Bucci Family Foundation, began at 5 at the Genesee River Reception Center in Mount Morris. Tables in the banquet hall were lined with gift baskets and other goodies for the silent auction. Folks could bid on a variety of items ranging from wine and spa packages to framed photographs and gift certificates to Camp Stella Maris. Attendees had a choice of 48 baskets of donated goods to choose from.
The night raised a grand total of $17,260 between the silent auction, ticket sales, 50/50 raffle, and Toshiba Business Solutions and Bucci Family Foundation sponsorships.
All proceeds will be used for Catholic Charities of Livingston County services, such as emergency housing and assistance, help with transportation, and mentoring for youth and mothers.
The event also served to honor Tim McMahon, who won the 2012 Father Trott Award. The Fr. Trott award is presented to someone who demonstrates a desire to provide a ministry to the community, dedication to the poor, and the ability to hear and respond to those with needs.
During his time as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Livingston County, McMahon helped implement the Faith in Action program, youth mentoring, emergency housing, Wheels for Work, and more. Since 2003, he has helped a small rural community in Nicaragua called El Sauce. His work there includes helping a school buy computers, build a library, buy books, complete a pre-school classroom building and fund a scholarship program which funded 175 needy children this year.
The award was presented to McMahon by Christa Barrows and Michelle Dourie.