Staff members and administrators of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, gathered recently for the nonprofit’s 26th annual St. Elizabeth of Hungary Awards, Mass and service recognition event. Father Don Oleksiak, diocesan vicar general, celebrated the Mass in La Sagrada Familia Church, near Catholic Charities’ administrative offices in St. Augustine Manor. Assisting with the liturgy was Deacon Paul Kipfstuhl, director of the Catholic Commission of Wayne, Ashland and Medina.
Thirty-three employees were nominated for various awards.
The top award, the 2025 St. Elizabeth of Hungary Award, was presented to Eric Milkie, director of emergency assistance services. The award focuses on a person whose life is an example of selfless charity and deep commitment to serving the most vulnerable. It is named after St. Elizabeth, daughter of the king of Hungary, who married into a wealthy family, yet chose to live a life of simplicity, spending time in prayer and serving the sick, suffering and impoverished. The mother of three was widowed at age 20. She founded a hospital in honor of St. Francis before dying in 1231 at age 24. St. Elizabeth was canonized in 1235, and her feast day is celebrated on Nov. 17.
Receiving the 2025 Servant Leader Award was Paul Kelly, director, CYO athletics. The Servant Leader Award recognizes a leader who prioritizes the needs and well-being of others and their teams.
Mission and Values Awards recipients for 2025 were Kristina Hardy, benefits manager, People and Development; Celeste Thayer, administrative coordinator, Summit County; Heather Patterson, case manager, Wayne County; Olivia Mackey, director, Camp Christopher; and Denise Rizzo, social work, St. Augustine Health Ministries. This honor was presented to five people who consistently bring the Catholic Charities’ mission and values to everyday life.
New this year was a years-of-service recognition for employees who ministered with Catholic Charities from five to 40 years. The recognition was made for service in five-year increments. Fifteen people were recognized for five years of service; 18 for 10 years; six for 15 years; seven for 20 years; nine for 25 years; four for 30 years; four for 35 years and one – Chloe Brown, administrative assistant, Summit County – for 40 years of service to Catholic Charities.
Another 18 people who participated in the early retirement program also were recognized, including Sharon Kuntz, a therapist with integrated services/outpatient mental health, 49 years of service, and Mary Ann King, athletic administrator, CYO Athletics, 48 years. Dobie Moser, senior director of mission, CYO and social action, was recognized for 30 years of service to Catholic Charities.
A reception followed at St. Augustine Manor.
