Nearly 450 attendees gathered for the 13th annual Benefit for the Poor dinner, with the theme of "faces of love," on April 26 at the Double Tree at Arden Hotel in Sacramento, sponsored by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Sacramento Diocesan Council.
Walt Gray, TV news anchor at ABC 10, served as master of ceremonies and was presented with an appreciation award for supporting the dinner with his talents for the past nine years.
Bishop Jaime Soto opened the program with an invocation. The keynote speaker was Father Leo Patalinghug of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, is the host of a weekly international TV show, "Savoring Our Faith," on EWTN, the movement, "Plating Grace," and the non-profit group, "The Table Foundation." His presentation was filled with passion, joy and humor.
Crumley & Associates was the recipient of the 2019 Benefactor of the Year Award, Doug Crumley (in photo above) accepted the award for his company and his entire family. Crumley & Associates, a financial planning practice, has been involved with St. Vincent de Paul for the past 15 years. The firm has been a sponsor of the Benefit for the Poor Dinner since it began in 2006. The entire Crumley family is "service driven, each one finding ways to support their community in age-appropriate ways," says Judy Dietlein, president of the Sacramento Diocesan Council.
Following the dinner, Dietlein acknowledged and thanked those in attendance who so generously support the SVdP and its work year after year. Proceeds from the dinner go to local conferences throughout the diocese so they can continue their work with the needy in their communities.