The morning of May 22 may have been overcast, but it was sunny in the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn in Independence where the Christ Child Society of Cleveland hosted a full house of 400 guests for the annual Red Wagon Luncheon.
Paula Conrad, Christ Child Society of Cleveland president, welcomed attendees and reminded them that with their support, the organization continues to help thousands of children in need each year.
(See above for a photo gallery from the event.)
Father Dan Schlegel, pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village and Christ Child spiritual advisor, gave the invocation and reinforced Conrad’s message. “The women of the Christ Child Society of Cleveland offer their helping hands to find the needs of children and subsequently act to fill those needs,” Father Schlegel said. He shared the Starfish Parable, noting the similarity of the woman in the parable who saves starfish with the Christ Child members who change the lives of children. In their hearts, members know that a new bed or a winter jacket can make a difference in the life of a child. (Click here to read the parable.)
Renee Cerny, principal of St. Rocco School in Cleveland, reminded event attendees that the mission of the Christ Child Society of Cleveland is to challenge childhood poverty. Her keynote presentation was peppered with examples of the CCSC involvement in her school, including funding and staffing the library, the new book vending machine, the story reading time with the “littles” and the one-on-one tutoring with students. After a 37-year career in Catholic education, Cerny said she appreciates her five-year partnership with CCSC members.
“Thank you to all the amazing women who make Christ Child Society a true service outreach for the community,” she said. Cerny noted that St. Rocco’s participates in the Uniform Program and has received countless Healthy Hygiene Kits from the organization. Through the Community Beds Program, she said St. Rocco School parents received new beds and bed linens for their children. In addition, Cerny said she personally supports the CCSC Showcase Stores. In fact, she said the little black dress she wore to the luncheon was purchased at a Showcase.
In addition to lunch, attendees could peruse an assortment of goodies at the Little Red Wagon Sweets and Treats Shop. Event guests also donated more than 400 soap bars to stock Healthy Hygiene shelves.
CCSC members canvassed the ballroom offering tickets for the raffle baskets. More than 50 guests won baskets that included items like gift cards, sports tickets, a one-of-a-kind Red Wagon quilt, golf course passes, Cleveland memorabilia, a wood charcuterie board, Blossom Music Center tickets, selected wines, tours of wineries and much more.
Former President Susan Ferraro Smith was the winner of the 1.5 carat pink sapphire and diamond pendant necklace, donated by Peter & Co. Jewelers of Avon Lake. Theresia Oreskovic, Peter & Co. Jewelers owner, was honored with the CCSC’s 2024 Red Wagon Award in recognition of her continued attendance and financial support at many CCSC events.
Guests at table 11 pooled their cash and won the 50/50 split raffle, sharing the $825 prize.
After lunch, Toni Haddad from Toni in Style of Chagrin Falls presented a fashion show featuring models from her boutique and some CCSC members. They showcased both casual and dressy attire. Ann Marie Baylor, Linda Cochran, Michele D’Alessandro, Mary Feikle, Kathy Gonnella, Deanna Kostalnick, Charlene Mazzone, Kathleen Printy, Debbie Tisdel and Kim Veras, CCSC members, served as models for the fashion show.
“Empowerment is a wonderful thing for women today, but the most important thing they can wear is confidence. With confidence comes acknowledgement of the fact that you are relevant, you can tackle life,” Haddad said. She noted that the women of the Christ Child Society of Cleveland serve the needs of children because, as Christ Child Society founder Mary Virginia Merrick said,“Nothing is ever too much to do for a child.”
The Red Wagon Committee, co-chaired by Conrad and Monica Bruck, included the following members: Karen Bush, Katie Camaglia, Kathy Cole, Rose Dziak, Annette Gorris, Sheila Gulick, Cathy Harbinak, Lisa Leduc, Mary Cay McConnell, Ardis Radak, Ann Shamess and Yvonne Schiffer.
Conrad also thanked members of the Christ Child Society Western Reserve Chapter and Akron Chapter members who attended to show their support of the organization and its mission.
Learn more about the Christ Child Society of Cleveland here.