For Judy Myers and other volunteers with Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, family is foremost. They will celebrate that philosophy during the Family Matters fundraising event Jan. 30.
The annual gala, to be held at the Hilton El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort, 10000 N. Oracle Road, will raise funds for more than 40 programs that provide services for families through CCS.
βWe try to have a different theme every year, but it always focuses on family. We truly feel that family is the basis of our community and no matter who you view as your family and who you include in it β it can be friends or whoever you like, since family is a very inclusive term β we want to recognize the importance of the whole family unit,β said Myers, co-chair of the event with Becky Rebenstorf.
The celebration also provides an opportunity to recognize two families who have been dedicated to the organization as it provides vital emergency services for families in crisis and helps families striving to build better lives, according to Liz McMahon, director of development for the nonprofit organization.
McMahon said the Martin and Coe Slattery family and the John and Maureen Roll family have built legacies of leadership and love through multiple levels of involvement with Catholic Community Services.
Martin was a founding dentist and long-term volunteer of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Dental Clinic, and was also past president of the board for Villa Maria Care Center for seniors. Coe volunteered as an literacy teacher for many years.
On a personal level, the Slatterys said they are grateful to CCS Adoption Services for bringing them their sons, Michael and Dan, and blessed that their biological son, John, is a member of the board of directors for the organizationβs foundation.
Coe said that βafter 57 years of marriage, we know that faith, family and friends are what matter in life.β
The Roll family shares those sentiments.
Chief U.S. District Judge John M. Roll became known nationwide when he was killed in the mass shooting on Jan. 8, 2011. For decades before that, he and Maureen, both graduates of Salpointe Catholic High School, were renowned locally for their involvement in civic and church activities.
John was a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus, and sons Robert and Patrick have followed in his footsteps. Another son, Christopher, was named 2015 Catholic Social Services employee of the year for his service at St. Nicholas of Myra Center.
Maureen worked with the organization for many years in the adoption and pregnancy programs, and continues to volunteer with Merilac Lodge, a residential group home for pregnant teens and teen mothers.
McMahon said making an impact for good is core to the mission of the organization, which serves about 60,000 Southern Arizonans of all religious affiliations annually through endeavors ranging from domestic crisis shelters and immigrant and refugee programs to group homes for those with disabilities and senior housing and nutrition programs.
McMahon said Catholic services also provides programs for those attempting to climb out of poverty. Offerings include not only basic services such as food, clothing and transitional housing, but financial education and microloan programs.
βWe offer matched savings accounts so families can work themselves out of difficult financial situations,β McMahon said. βMany go on to either further their own educations or purchase a home.
βSome even use the funds to start a small business, which is very cool.β
