Cardinal’s Christmas Luncheon Raises $1 Million for Catholic Charities

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It began like it always does—with the sound of children singing Christmas songs. And it ended in silence, like it always does—with the sight of children dressed for the Christmas tableau.

It was the 70th annual Cardinal’s Annual Christmas Luncheon held Dec. 7 at the Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan. The luncheon is co-sponsored by the Ladies of Charity and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.

The children’s choir from Our Lady of Lourdes in Manhattan sung for the more than 1,100 guests in attendance. Students from St. John Chrysostom in the Bronx performed the tableau.

The luncheon raised $1 million for Catholic Charities of New York, of which Msgr. Kevin Sullivan is executive director.

Cardinal Dolan, during his remarks, told a story about his nephew Charlie, who wanted to portray Joseph, one of the Three Kings or a shepherd in his school’s Christmas pageant.

When Cardinal Dolan asked Charlie what part he received, he would not answer. When the cardinal asked if he had any words to speak, his nephew responded, “Hee Haw.” His nephew had been chosen to be the donkey!

“We all have our part to play in the Christmas drama,” the cardinal explained.

Guests, well dressed in shades of vibrant cherry red and evergreen, laughed heartily at the cardinal’s joke.

Festive porcelain angels dressed in dark red and gold and lighted wreaths sat on every table, and lighted Christmas trees graced the stage in the Grand Ballroom, which was majestically decorated for the occasion.

The cardinal told those gathered that before them they had radiant examples of people who opened their heart and said “Yes” to Jesus, just like Mary did more than 2,000 years ago.

The cardinal was referring to the luncheon award winners, including Kelly Coffey, who received the Christmas Angel Award and William and Sara Miller, who received the Spirit of St. Nicholas Award.

Mrs. Coffey is chief executive officer of J.P. Morgan’s U.S. Private Bank and a member of the company’s Global Wealth Management Operating Committee and serves as executive sponsor for the Asset Management Women’s Network. She also serves as chairman of the board of trustees for the Marymount School in Manhattan.

The Spirit of St. Nicholas Award was given to William and Sara Miller. Mrs. Miller is a member of the parish council at Resurrection in Rye and the parents association at Loyola School in Manhattan. Miller is a partner at Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP where he practices corporate law. He is active with the Nativity Mission Center in Manhattan and Part of the Solution (POTS) in the Bronx.

In his remarks, Miller praised the works of Catholic Charities. “It is hope we celebrate at this luncheon,” he said.

Nancy Waters, the president of the Ladies of Charity, will be retiring at the end of the year. She said that the Ladies of Charity are “really looking forward to the Year of Mercy in the archdiocese.” The Year of Mercy, called by Pope Francis, began Dec. 8 and will last through Nov. 20, 2016.

Annalee Priolo of St. Columba’s parish in Manhattan has been involved with the Ladies of Charity for eight years. She told CNY that she attends the luncheon annually because it is a “celebration of charity and caring” and a good opportunity to meet the cardinal in a joy-filled setting.

“It’s such a lovely gathering of charitable people,” she said. “It’s a reminder of what it is we are celebrating. It’s a beautiful introduction to the Christmas season.”