Annual Benefit

Annual Benefit ~ April 27, 2024

Celebrate with us! 

Mass 5:00pm (optional) *  Heavy hors d’oeuvres 6:30pm * Program 7pm * Raffle and fun until 9pm
Location: Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092
Tickets sold out!

Honoring 60 years in El Salvador:

The Cleveland Latin American Mission (CLAM) Team

CLAM Team - 1964-2024!

Left, Fr. Sebian began serving the people of El Salvador In 1964.  Right, Bishop Malesic of Cleveland and CLAM Team Director, Fr. Steve Vellenga, Fr. John Ostrowski, still serving in Teotepeque (visiting COAR in 2022).

CLAM Team before COAR 1980

CLAM Team 1980: Back row, left to right: Fr. Ken Myers (COAR’s Founder, dec’d), Fr James P. Kenny (dec’d), Fr. Paul Schindler, Fr. John Loya, Fr Al Winters (Director of Society for Propagation of the Faith in 1980), Fr David Fallon (dec’d). Front row, left to right: Sr. Elizabeth Kochik S.C. (dec’d)., Sr. Christine Rody, S.C., Rosemary Smith (dec’d), Therese Osoborne, Bishop James Hickey (later Cardinal Hickey of Washington, dec’d), Jean Donovan (dec’d), Sr. Dorothy Kazel, O.S.U. (dec’d)

The COAR kids prepare to say grace with attendees at the Annual Benefit dinner. Please picture them saying grace with you and your family, too.

Because of their close relationship with St. Romero, members of the CLAM Team stood as honor guards during the evening vigil before his funeral and as pallbearers. Minutes after this picture was taken on the steps of the Cathedral, shots rang out in the central square. Hundreds were killed and injured. Over 40 years later, St. Romero’s death is remembered by COAR students without fear, but rather, with honor and pride.

Thank you Benefactors:

Rebecca Vellenga
Bill & Judy Head
Pat Shields
Marty & Terry Tusim
Mike & Peg Cachat
Jim Hennessy
Musca Family
Celia Reyes & Jeffrey Tidwell
Chuck & Debbie Richter
Stan & Nancy (in memorium) Bednarczyk

Underwriters:

Daphne Held
Joe Raguso
Michael & Veronica Leahy
Dawna & Quentin Meng
Jeffrey Sanson
Joe & Mary Kay Guerra
in memorium Carl Coppola, beloved son by Sebastian & Mary Coppola

Patrons

Fr. Bob Sanson
Joan Myers
Laura Griesmer
Darrell and Ann Holland
Bill & Joanne Spellacy
Marsha Walker
Andy & Allison Woss
Charles Fazio & Associates
Anonymous Friend
in memorium Fr. Ken Myers, beloved brother by Ron & Linda Myers
honoring Donna and Don Myers by Thomas and Susan Myers
Jim and Autumn Westhoven
Samuel H. and Maria Miller Foundation
in memorium Ogochi Nedosa
Ed & Casey (in memorium) Diegel
Mike & Erin Gall Family
Homeworks General Contracting Inc.
honoring Margarita de la Paz by Fr. Joe Muth

Sponsors

Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Deacon Ken & Carole Golonka
Center for Pastoral Leadership
Clayton & Margaret Heydorn
Nilda & James N. (in memorium) Ramos
Ryan, Meghan, Eleanor, and Issac Conway
Brian & Anne Hurtuk
Mark & Mary Jo (in memorium) Myers
Michael & Andrea Loving

John and Sandy Ladd
Mike & Katie Head
Rev. Joseph Hilinski
Joe & Arline Nosse
Mary Ellen O’Mara
Dennis Sheehy
Fr. John Brenkle
John & Celeste Gladych
Anonymous Friend

There is no COAR without you! Thanks!

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