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Toys for Catholic Charities donated at concert

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church held its annual Christmas concert on Friday. More than 100 toys were donated to Catholic Charities.


  • By Lesley Dwyer
  • | 10:06 a.m. December 3, 2022
St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church holds their annual Christmas concert.
St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church holds their annual Christmas concert.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
  • Longboat Key
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St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church held its annual Christmas concert on Friday. More than 100 people attended, and each brought an unwrapped toy. That’s the standard price of admission. 

“Every year, we do this,” Chuck Sobieck said. “They’re going to Catholic Charities in Sarasota.”

Church members belted “Hark, the Herald Angel Sing” during the singalong at the end of the concert, which featured a singer, flutist and pianist. 

“The music blew everybody’s socks off,” George Noble raved. 

After the concert, guests were invited to Pick Hall for a reception with cookies and punch.

Catholic Charities supports all ages, from early intervention through senior services and everyone in between  in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Financial support, affordable housing, immigration assistance and counseling are among their services. 

CC’s mission is “to seek to serve and empower all in need regardless of race, nationality or religion” in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church holds their annual Christmas concert.
St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church holds their annual Christmas concert.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
The cost of a concert ticket is one unwrapped gift for Catholic Charities.
The cost of a concert ticket is one unwrapped gift for Catholic Charities.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Pianist Lee Dougherty Ross
Pianist Lee Dougherty Ross
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Karen Romig, Jennifer Harris and Lee Dougherty Ross
Karen Romig, Jennifer Harris and Lee Dougherty Ross
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Karen Romig and Jennifer Harris perform at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Friday.
Karen Romig and Jennifer Harris perform at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Friday.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Pick Hall gets decked out for the post-concert reception.
Pick Hall gets decked out for the post-concert reception.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
David and Judee Endean, Sandy Finnegan and Ursula Dimler
David and Judee Endean, Sandy Finnegan and Ursula Dimler
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Nancy White pours punch for Tom Vitro.
Nancy White pours punch for Tom Vitro.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Paula Sharp and Susan Udermann share a laugh, while Dino Sifuentes opens the wine.
Paula Sharp and Susan Udermann share a laugh, while Dino Sifuentes opens the wine.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Marie Watts, Peggy Schwass and Joyce Welch
Marie Watts, Peggy Schwass and Joyce Welch
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Nancy Gornto snaps a photo.
Nancy Gornto snaps a photo.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Mary Ruth Meyers and Nancy white serve water and punch at the reception.
Mary Ruth Meyers and Nancy white serve water and punch at the reception.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Canadians Douglas Cronk, Gladys Boehler and Michel Fleury
Canadians Douglas Cronk, Gladys Boehler and Michel Fleury
Photo by Lesley Dwyer

 

author

Lesley Dwyer

Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.

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