



I am filled with immense gratitude as I reflect upon the 2023 Spirit of Hope event on May 11. With almost 150 people in attendance at the DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore, it was a night full of energy, conversation, and genuine joy celebrating the work of the Western Region Office of Catholic Charities.
The presence and participation of local clergy - Christopher Bond (the pastor of St. Lucien Catholic Church in Spruce Pine and St. Bernadette in Linville), Fr. Pat Cahill (St. Eugene in Asheville), and Fr. Adrian Porras (St. Barnabas in Arden) - enriched our gathering., and commending Judy Butler as the 2023 Spirit of Hope Award Winner was a fitting way to honor our local community.
An evening so meaningful could not have been possible without our advisory board members: Tim Kelley (chair), Donna Bange, Pat Irmen, Susan Loveland, Anne Minks, Jurona Mobley, Terry Rafinski, Marlowe Weingart, and LeAnn Wilson (event chair).
The Western Region Office is a special place staffed by an exceptional team of professionals and volunteers. I’m blessed to lead and work alongside them to create a “Spirit of Hope” for people in need. Thanks for being a part of this with me.
Raised $52,500
Your gifts help support these local programs and services in the Western Region
Financial Assistance
With sincere appreciation, Jesse Mental Counseling Services
Mental Health Counseling Services
Refugee resettlement and ongoing assistance
Legal Immigration Services
Judy Butler is a remarkable woman who overcame considerable odds. Through hard work, she earned a full scholarship to St. Catherine University and, after a fulfilling career, retired with her husband to Asheville. As chair of MANNA FoodBank’s board of directors and a member of the Board of Supervisors for the Town of Woodfin, Judy unceasingly works to provide food to underserved families. Catholic Charities is blessed to partner with her.
See event photos
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Holiday Assistance
Food and personal items for members of our community
Burial Assistance