Catholic Charities Ball 2023 brings hope at Ritz Carlton

The annual affair was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on Feb. 4.

  • By Harry Sayer
  • | 11:38 a.m. February 5, 2023
Rev. Frank J. Dewane arrives.
Rev. Frank J. Dewane arrives.
Photo by Harry Sayer
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The 2023 Catholic Charities brought hope and elegance to The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota on Feb. 4.

The annual affair, put on as always by the Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc., celebrated its "Create Hope" theme with more than 300 guests attending the event. 

Guests joined Rev. Frank Dewane, the bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, in a lively social hours that was full of the sound of bagpipes from Kevin Wiegand of the Knights of Columbus. 

Ray Collins emceed the program, which started with words from Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice CEO Eduardo Gloria followed by an invocation from Rev. Dewane. 

Once dinner and the live auction had ended, guests heard from people who have benefited from Catholic Charities programs.

The night ended with music from pianist Giovanni Marradi, violinist Edgar Sandoval and the Phase 5 band. 

Much of the evening had bagpipe music in the background.
Much of the evening had bagpipe music in the background.
Photo by Harry Sayer
More than 300 supporters filled the ballroom.
More than 300 supporters filled the ballroom.
Photo by Harry Sayer
More than 300 supporters filled the ballroom.
More than 300 supporters filled the ballroom.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Rev. Frank J. Dewane arrives.
Rev. Frank J. Dewane arrives.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Chairwoman Bridget Speiss, Rev. Frank Dewane, pianist Giovanni Marradi, Mary Beth and Ralph Cotran and Edgar Sandoval
Chairwoman Bridget Speiss, Rev. Frank Dewane, pianist Giovanni Marradi, Mary Beth and Ralph Cotran and Edgar Sandoval
Photo by Harry Sayer
Co-chairwomen Beth Cannata, Marilee Roberts, Sabrina Gibson, Judy Kozlowski and Marcia Norris
Co-chairwomen Beth Cannata, Marilee Roberts, Sabrina Gibson, Judy Kozlowski and Marcia Norris
Photo by Harry Sayer
Dawn and Pat McManus
Dawn and Pat McManus
Photo by Harry Sayer
Scarlett and Riley Beaver
Scarlett and Riley Beaver
Photo by Harry Sayer
The evening had more than 300 guests filling the ballroom.
The evening had more than 300 guests filling the ballroom.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Giovanni Marradi played piano to end the night.
Giovanni Marradi played piano to end the night.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Larry and Tara Westieri
Larry and Tara Westieri
Photo by Harry Sayer
Fernanda Girard and Berenise Ahumada
Fernanda Girard and Berenise Ahumada
Photo by Harry Sayer
Ryan and Marla Walker
Ryan and Marla Walker
Photo by Harry Sayer
Janet and John McIntyre
Janet and John McIntyre
Photo by Harry Sayer
Peter and Diane Murray
Peter and Diane Murray
Photo by Harry Sayer
Ray Collins and Erin Hurter
Ray Collins and Erin Hurter
Photo by Harry Sayer

 

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