Catholic Charities Ball 2023 brings hope at Ritz Carlton

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.