The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston celebrated 150 years in the community on Saturday evening, September 18, 2021, at the River Oaks Country Club. The Sesquicentennial event, honoring the late Marek brothers - John, Bill, and Ralph - and Granny Marek, raised approximately $450,000.00 in revenue.
Carol Croom, President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, introduced a friend who was helped by the Society in the past and is now a volunteer. With courage and pride, the friend told her story of need and how the Society was there for her when she most needed the help.
His Emminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, Retired Auxiliary Bishop George Sheltz, and Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Fiorenza were all present at this milestone event that was filled with surprises. One of those surprises was a tribute video to the Marek Brothers and Granny Marek, commemorating them for their unconditional support.
The second surprise was delivered by Msgr. Dan Scheel:
“In planning for the Society’s future for the next 150 years, tonight, we are humbled to announce that an endowment fund has been set up in honor of Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza for the benefit of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.”
Archbishop Fiorenza has been a champion for the poor in our community for decades, and remains an advocate for social justice issues across all social and economic barriers.
“The endowment was created by generous individuals who have fervently supported the mission of the Society over the years and witnessed the growing need and impact of its services. This endowment will indeed create a legacy fund, ensuring that this impact continues into the future and in more communities,” stated Ann Schorno, Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
As of today, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has quietly raised $5 million in initial endowment support with a long-term fundraising goal of $20 million. The endowment's spending policy of 5% per year will generate funds for the following types of direct program aid:
expand the Society’s presence in our Archdiocese;
support existing conferences in areas with limited resources, and newly formed conferences;
additional training and leadership development of volunteer networks;
programs that help those served move from crisis situations to resiliency and self-sufficiency;
new models to expand impact where it is needed the most.
Stan and Bruce Marek have generously volunteered to co-chair and lead the fundraising of the endowment campaign. For more information about how you can support the endowment campaign, please email Jenni Granero at development@svdphouston.org.
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