Catholic Charities’ Second Christmas Gala to Give to Neighbors in Need

GENESEO – Walk the red carpet for a good cause this weekend at Catholic Charities second annual Christmas Gala.

Last year, sponsors and an estimated 190 guests took to the Oak Valley Event Center on Lakeville Road for dinner, dancing and raffles. All ticket sales support CCLC’s 10 signature programs for local people in need.

CCLC’s goal is to help people become independent from temporary assistance benefits (TANF) offered by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Among the signature programs, they offer transportation for the elderly, which is intended to keep working families working instead of transporting their loved ones. They offer counseling programs, parenting education programs, emergency housing, and emergency assistance for families who have shutoff notices for their heat bills. They also have food pantry and clothing cupboard programs.

All programs are designed for the needs of Livingston County residents. They have a team of 10 passionate social workers and case managers, as well as 167 devoted volunteers. Each year, they help an estimated 9,000 people in need.

CCLC established the annual Father William Trott Community Services Award n 1997. Father Trott, who passed away in 1996, was pastor of St. Joseph’s in Livonia and St. William’s in Conesus. He was well known throughout the area for his life-long commitment to advocating and serving the needs of the poor, the homeless and those with drug and alcohol addiction. He was a kind, caring and compassionate individual, who was deeply committed to issues of social justice and fair treatment of all. Father Trott felt comfortable in challenging others to help our sisters and brothers most in need.

CCLC is one of 11 agencies affiliated with the Diocese of Rochester. Catholic Charities of Livingston County (CCLC) is celebrating 21 years of helping people regain a level of self-sufficiency.