FOR THE LADIES OF Catholic Charities Auxiliary, it was an afternoon of style, long-time friendships and laughter with some help from their friends in the Knights of Columbus. For all the fun, the festivities supported the Auxiliary’s vital mission to assist Catholic Charities of Orange County through fundraising, volunteer work and public awareness.
ELLEN ROY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY, WALKS IN THE FASHION SHOW. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Co-directors Diane Tippets and Kate McGregor created a team that raised over $20,000 to support Catholic Charities’ work to feed the hungry, console the hurting and care for the marginalized.
Held at San Antonio de Padua Parish in Anaheim Hills, the “Color Me Fashion” show involved the Chapter’s 45 members and the Knights of Columbus Council 9195, who served lunch to the more than 200 women in attendance. According to Vice President of Membership Brenda Ames, “Our chapter members work hard all year to raise funds through various events and also provide volunteer support for Catholic Charities at the Dorothy Cantlay Food Distribution Center in Santa Ana. In 2023, we raised\ nearly $160,000.”
CATHOLIC CHARITIES AUXILIARY’S FASHION SHOW WAS HELD ON NOV. 12 AT SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA PARISH IN ANAHEIM HILLS.
Upon entering the event, guests enjoyed boutiques from local businesses offering clothing, jewelry, accessories and other items for sale with a percentage donated.
PRISCILLA ROBLEDO WAS ONE OF THE MANY VENDORS AT THE EVENT.
David Rime, owner of Anaheim Hills Jewelry & Coin and a Knight, donated a spectacular diamond cross necklace for the silent auction. In addition to being a donor, Rime also donned an apron and waited tables.
“I’ve been doing this for many years,” said Rime. “The San Antonio parish and the Knights are happy to help the Auxiliary and Catholic Charities — we’re all family.”
Sally Ann Catering of Placentia provided the luncheon buffet and contributed at the Gold sponsor level.
Many ladies donated items valued at $25 or more for “mystery” boxes, at $25 or more, which were then wrapped and made available for purchase at $25 each.
Auxiliary co-director Kate McGregor, who has been active in the Auxiliary for 25 years, noted that the Auxiliary is celebrating its 50th year in 2024.
GUEST MODELS FOR THE DAY: MARTHA SCHNEIDERS, JEANETTE CHASTAIN, MARIAJOSE GARORTI, JULIANA SILVA, ELLEN ROY AND KAREN CASTRO.
“We’ve been helping Catholic Charities since before the Diocese of Orange was established,” she shared.
Co-Director Diane Tippets has been a member of the auxiliary for six years.
“This is such a passionate organization made up of people who want to give of their time and treasure,” she said.
Auxiliary President Suzanne Land narrated the fashion show, which was curated and presented by Karen Goodsell and Maria Teixeira of Chic Revelations, a women’s clothing boutique in Yorba Linda. The show featured fashions from casual to formal, elegantly modeled by Catholic Charities leadership and Auxiliary members. Models included CCOC Executive Director Ellen Roy, Finance Director Juliana Silva and Marketing Director Mariajose Garorti. Members of the Auxiliary also modeled, including Karen Castro, Martha Schneiders and Jeannette Chastain.
Martha Schnieders has been a chapter member for 15 years and loves volunteering.
“The easiest way to do our works of mercy is to be a part of an organization like this whose mission is to support the good work of Catholic Charities,” she said, “who serve and comfort people right here in Orange County.”