10th Anniversary of CIH Celebrated at New Location in 2023

The CIH Team recaps our successful 10th Annual Gala at St. Therese of Carmel Catholic Church.

       Excitement was in the air as guests arrived for the much anticipated and long awaited CIH 10th Annual Gala and Silent Auction on February 18, 2023. Many monthly donors came early to St. Therese of Carmel Church Hall patio to celebrate the launch of the new Circle of the Redeemer monthly donor club in appreciation for their consistent and vital role in the CIH Mission.  
       Magical bubbles appeared to be floating above the beautifully set white and gold tables as St. Joseph’s Academy volunteers greeted guests with trays of scrumptious appetizers. Old and new friends connected as they listened to the musicians of The Blue Zone, setting the 1920’s tone with their popular swing tunes. 
Before dinner, our much-loved Emcee, Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers, greeted everyone and introduced the Canticle Jubilate Deo Choir, who has a special devotion to praying for CIH clients and staff. The Choir sang several glorious prayers including the Ave Maria in French. Father Chris Tozzi, our host and pastor of St. Therese of Carmel, gave the benediction to bless the event and the delicious meal provided by Ranch Events. 
       Our keynote speaker Deacon Marvin Threatt, of Christ the King Catholic Church, motivated the audience to be aware of the modern-day slavery of human trafficking around them and to do something to aid survivors in any way possible. 
       CIH President, Grace Williams Lionello, explained about the angels and how helping teens at Refuge has been her life’s joy. God has ordained a purpose for each of us, and everyone has different gifts to fulfill that purpose, even the angels. By responding “yes” to our calls, we bring joy to God just as Our Lady’s “yes” at the Annunciation did. By bringing out the gifts these women and girls possess, they are better able to respond to what God asks of them.
       Guests had many different opportunities to support CIH at the Gala this year. We held our first Live Auction full of fun items. Our Silent Auction had many special experiences and religious items up for bid, and donations were made specifically for client needs such as groceries and rent, as chosen by the donor. 
       It is never enough to say “THANK YOU” for the generosity of time, talent, and strength of our volunteers. We appreciate the volunteers, the Event Planning Committee, especially Marty Franklin who, with her team, has made our Gala appetizers for each and every Gala (10!), and the St. Therese Knights of Columbus Council #13124 who made light work of set-up and tear-down for our event. Many thanks to all the staff at St. Therese who helped to make our Gala possible in their beautiful Hall. 
       We are grateful for all of the support, prayers, and friendship over the last ten years. Because of this encouragement, every one of us can experience the joy of helping women and teenagers move into the light of freedom in Our Lord.
In Corde Mariae,
​The CIH Team