The Catholic Foundation’s 15th Annual Foundation of Faith Event: Ignite Your Hearts featuring three special guests, an in-person VIP event at The Manor at Ten Eleven, an online auction, and the chance to watch the event virtually from home, raised $95,000.
The event that typically hosts 1,000 people went virtual last year because of the pandemic. Guests at the intimate outdoor event expressed how happy they were to come together to celebrate faith, community, and connection.
Eduardo Verástegui gave an impassioned live talk from Mexico City, and Sarah Hart delivered a moving mini-concert from Nashville. Both artists joined via Zoom. Mark Hart delivered his dynamic keynote directly from the venue.
Bishop Mark Seitz accepted the Dei Gratia Award on behalf of the Diocese of El Paso Clergy and Religious. Dei Gratia is Latin for “By the Grace of God”. It is with God’s grace that our recipients continue to guide and inspire us.
Award winning journalist and KTSM 9 Anchor Natassia Paloma served as a gracious and elegant Mistress of Ceremonies.
The online auction included jewelry, artwork, and experiences like dinner with Fr. Beto Lopez at Thyme Matters, and an exquisitely prepared meal by Fr. Marcus McFadin benefiting the St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund. Donors also contributed to provide gas money for priests who drive hundreds of miles across West Texas to serve, and scholarships for students attending St. Joseph’s School.
If you did not have a chance to give, please contact Major Gifts Officer Sofía Larkin directly at (915) 433-2003 or by email at slarkin@catholicfoundationelpaso.org.
Nora and Ernie Herrera hosted a beautiful evening for sponsors and special guests at The Manor at Ten Eleven, a historic Trost mansion-turned venue that is a private membership club unique to El Paso. The Manor is also available to the general public as a rental space for weddings, business meetings and a host of events.
The Manor, located catty corner from St. Patrick Cathedral, offers experiences you only used to have access to if you traveled, and is committed to continuing to bring the community together through philanthropic events, culinary experiences, the arts, wine and tequila tastings, expert health and wellness sessions, mixers, concerts, and more.
In honor of the Catholic Foundation’s 20th anniversary, the community was invited to give a “Gift of 20”. We received gifts from $20 to $20,000 in the categories of Prayer Warrior, Servants of God, and Saints. Some very special people contributed $20,000 to their favorite endowed funds.
The Catholic Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to our “Saints” for their generous “Gifts of 20” in celebration of twenty years of prayer, service, and giving. Thank you to Connie Perez, and Clara & Mike Miles for your continued support and for your “Gift of 20”.
We give special thanks to our hosts, sponsors, guests, and donors. Without your support and generosity, this event would not have been possible. Our gratitude to committee chair, Melissa Martinez, and to committee members, Boris Salazar, Cecilia Mesta, Machelle Vanecek, and Veronica Cervantes for their hard work and prayers to ensure another inspired Foundation of Faith Event. Thank you to everyone who generously helped us make this event a success.
You can watch the 15th Annual Foundation of Faith Event on the Catholic Foundation’s YouTube channel. Click here to see the event photos by Alejandra Saldaña on Facebook.Mark your calendar for the 16th Annual Foundation of Faith Event on September 22, 2022.