* Sister of St. Joseph Diana Dolce of Rochester, the founder of the Gates school Hope Hall, was named a 2007 state Senate “Woman of Distinction.” She was honored in Albany June 5 with a special ceremony at the Legislative Office Building. Sister Dolce founded Hope Hall in 1994 to help at-risk children become successful lifelong learners. The school serves more than 100 students each year, and Sister Dolce is the school’s principal.
* The Friends of Holy Family committee raised more than $32,000 for Rochester’s Holy Family Church during its first-annual fundraising dinner and auction at Logan’s on Scottsville Road. More than 400 people enjoyed the buffet dinner, raffles, silent auctions and live auctions. Tony Leib was chairman of the event, and was assisted by many volunteers who helped run the festivities.
Supporters included businesses and individuals who donated items for raffle or auction. Parishioners, friends and former graduates attended the dinner and added their support through program ads.
The Friends of Holy Family is a committee of 25 individuals who have been meeting weekly since January 2007 to organize and plan the evening.
* The Knights of Columbus Greece Council 3892 recently announced winners of its annual essay contest, which was open to high-school seniors from Nazareth Academy, Bishop Kearney High School and Aquinas Institute. Students were asked to write a 500- to 700-word essay on the theme: “The Responsibility of the Catholic Citizen in a Free Society.”
Elizabeth Redden of Aquinas won first place and $150. Ryan Pietrocarlo of Bishop Kearney won second place and $100. Johanna Kelly of Nazareth Academy won third place and $75.
The contest aims to strengthen the bond between the Knights of Columbus and Catholic schools.
* Leo Fisher IV and his sister, Elly, who belong to St. Patrick Parish in Victor, received the Congressional Award Gold Medal June 19 in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Award program is open to young people between the ages of 14 and 23 and teaches participants to set and achieve personally challenging goals that build character and foster community service, personal development and citizenship.
* The Holy Family Parish “Crusaders” relay team raised more than $1,380 in the Relay for Life, a benefit for the American Cancer Society held June 2-3 at Dansville High School. The event raised more than $32,000 overall.
* Approximately $68,000 was raised from The Valley Affair ’07, a major fundraiser for Holy Family School in Dansville. This year’s Valley Affair dinner/auction took place June 9 at the Dansville Fish and Game Club.
* Five new members have been added to the Sacred Heart Ladies Society of Elmira’s Blessed Sacrament Parish. Sue Beemer, Gilda Campanelli, Joan Caparulo, Elaine Chamberlin and Sandra Lorden were all installed on June 10.
