“I am a true believer in the work of the Christ Child Society and the good you do for the children and parents in our community,” Bishop Edward Malesic said as he accepted the Christ Child Society of Cleveland’s Person of the Year Award. The presentation was made at the organization’s Starlight Soiree Nov. 2 at the Hotel Cleveland, with about 200 people in attendance.
“I was totally surprised when asked to accept this award. Needless to say, I am extraordinarily humbled to be honored as the Christ Child Society of Cleveland’s Person of the Year. Our diocese is truly blessed to be home to such a fine, caring organization. And, as we all know, the need here in Northeast Ohio is great,” the bishop added.
He reminded the group that “To be pro-life does not stop at the birth of a child. Our defense and support of life goes on well beyond that. And the Christ Child Society of Cleveland does that so well,” he said.
(See photo gallery above.)
Bishop Malesic mentioned the “My Stuff” bags, school uniforms, winter coats with hats, mittens and gloves, beds, portable cribs, elementary school libraries, preschool reading enrichment programs and more that the Christ Child Society provides to help children in need. In addition, the Christ Child Society operates Showcase Shoppes in Fairview Park and Lakewood that offer quality resale items with proceeds benefiting the group’s ministries,
The organization also provides newborn layettes for families in need. Click here to see a video about one grateful recipient. The society’s work is featured in the November/December issue of Northeast Ohio Catholic magazine, which will be arriving soon in homes throughout the Diocese of Cleveland.
The bishop reminded Christ Child Society members that as they go about their work, they should remember the divine love that Jesus has for children. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told his disciples that “Unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”
The bishop offered his thanks to the organization for the award and expressed his deep appreciation for all the good work the members do, reminding them all they have is a gift from God.
“You love as God has loved you and you inspire us to be the very best we can be in service to those in need. Know that you are in my prayers always. May God shower you with his every grace and blessing,” he added. “Be a blessing to others. Thank you for being a friend of mine and of these children.”
Kathy Michael, Christ Child Society of Cleveland president, presented the award to the bishop.
The soiree fundraiser included a video highlighting the society’s work, a wine pull, silent auction, dinner, 50/50 drawing and a drawing for a diamond necklace. Attendees also were invited to raise their bidding paddles to donate toward the Christ Child Society’s many programs that benefit children.
A highlight of the evening was a spirited paddle auction for a jersey from Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb.
The paddle raises generated more than $40,000 to benefit the group’s programs, including more than $3,000 generated by the Chubb jersey, said Cathy Harbinak, a member of the soiree committee.
Members of the society’s executive committee are Michael, president; Harbinak, president-elect; Kathleen Cole, service vice president; Monica Bruck, organization vice president; Sheila Gulick, financial secretary; Sharon Skotko, recording secretary; Yvonne Shiffer, corresponding secretary and Paula Conrad, past president.
Starlight Soiree chairman was Marybeth Baucco. Schiffer and Gulick were silent auction co-chairs. Dozens of others assisted with the soiree as committee members and volunteers.
Click here to learn more about the Christ Child Society of Cleveland.