HUNDREDS GATHERED together on May 4, in the warmth of sunshine and friends, for the Art in the Garden event — an annual fundraiser to support the efforts of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.
For more than 100 years, no organization has done more to lift local hearts and souls than the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.
ATTENDEES OF THIS YEAR’S ART IN THE GARDEN EVENT BID ON SILENT AUCTION ITEMS. THE ANNUAL FUNDRAISER SUPPORTS THE EFFORTS OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE
While farmers and ranchers evolved into developers, and the tech industries found they could lure the best and the brightest to our coastal climate, the sisters quietly but relentlessly look to the margins to see what needs to be done for the people living here. They are the plumb line behind much of Orange County’s growth.
They built infrastructure to heal the body by establishing hospitals, first with St. Joseph’s, then St. Jude Medical Center, Mission Hospital, and now the Providence
Healthcare system. They faced down hate when the Ku-Klux Clan crosses burned on their property, and to this day, the sisters make special efforts to reach out to build bridges. Add to this their commitment to supporting the work of the Universal Church by providing faith-affirming counseling, spiritual direction, social justice and uplifting college-bound women, and you have a force that is both compassionate and resolute.
“This is our third year for our Art in the Garden fundraiser,” said Sr. Kit Gray, co-chair of the event.
“This event raises funds to support four of our ministries: The Center for Spiritual Development, the St. Joseph Justice Center, the CSJ Educational Network and the St. Joseph the Worker for young college-age women.”
ST. ANNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL MARIACHI BANDPERFORM DURING THIS YEAR’S ART IN THE GARDEN EVENT. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Sr. Katherine “Kit” Gray, CSJ, was joined as sister co-chair by Sr. MaryAnne Huepper, CSJ. The event co chairs were Mimi Cora and Chuck Rooney, and the event director was Julie Malvey. The volunteer chair was Cathy Fletcher. The event drew 400 guests to the silent auction held in the St. Joseph’s Center Gardens located within the St. Joseph Center in Orange.
Combining the joyful and casual atmosphere of a family reunion, guests, most of whom have a long and strong relationship with the sisters, strolled through the beautifully landscaped grounds. They were treated to works of art from lace making to painting and flower arranging. The artwork is, for the most part, created by the sisters despite their busyness and challenges.
Amidst the tacos, mariachis and wine, guests bid on the art. Offerings included oil and watercolor paintings, photography, quilts and delicate handmade lace. Several “experience” opportunities include dinner at Sr. Thuy Tran’s family-owned Vietnamese restaurant in Garden Grove and private dinners with wine tasting at various estates.
Each year, the event also honors two sister-artists whose work has inspired everyone around them. Sr. Judith Royer, CSJ, Ph.D., is a professor of fine arts at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Sr. Judith is well-known in the theater community and “has helped to create by encouraging new voices and connecting storytellers who uniquely share relationships through the stage.”
But as with all the sisters, it is not just “art for art’s sake.” Sr. Judith has served as the director of the CSJ Center for Reconciliation and Justice at LMU since it was founded in 2012. Sr. Mariquita Domingo, CSJ, was also honored. She is an accomplished floral arranger and environmental artist. Sr. Mariquita’s work is often seen blooming in the halls and offices at the St. Joseph Center.
She’s known as “a true plant whisperer” for her ability to resurrect fading greenery and return it to a healthy bloom.
Sr. Mariquita’s floral arrangements can often be seen at the Center for Spiritual Development, where “they create a kind of ‘spiritual oasis’ that fosters a contemplative connection with God and nature.”
Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, and her husband, Chuck, were sponsors of the event.
Walker has had a long-standing relationship with the Sisters of St. Joseph since her school days.
“I love this event because it is an expression of the hospitality of the sisters,” she said. “It is a grace to be part of it.”
Another event sponsor, Ron and Paula DiLuigi, have also been long-standing supporters of the Sisters. Ron’s relationship goes back to the early 1980s.
He worked in advocacy for St. Joseph’s Hospital and eventually became the Regional Vice President for Advocacy, retiring in 2016.
“The Sisters of St. Joseph do so many important things for Orange County,” he said, “and it is great to still be a part of the many things they are doing.”
In the casual, yet relaxed environment that celebrated both the art and the work of the Sisters of St. Joseph, they raised more than $274,000 – the highest in the event’s three-year history. The vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph has served and improved the life of the people of Orange County in countless ways.
Their ministry is their art, their purpose and their gift — a garden of plenty for our community.