Beautiful women from past and present to be honored

Intermountain Catholic

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OGDEN - Do you have an awe-inspiring mother, sister, aunt, or other wonderful woman in your life? If so, St. Benedict's Foundation is offering a way to honor her while at the same time benefiting worthy causes, with the third Annual Celebrating Women Campaign, which began April 1 and ends May 31.

To participate in the fundraiser, people need to call 801-479-1800 to make a donation. Donations may be in any amount.

"With each donation a rose will be dedicated in the name or names of women to be honored," said Yvonne U. Conier, executive director of St. Benedicts Foundation. "This fundraiser has been very good; the Foundation of St. Benedict is able to help a lot of institutions through it."

Last year, the event raised $260,000; the goal for this year is $300,000.

Donors and their guests are invited to a Tea Celebration in which the roses will be placed in a bouquet designed by Pat Poce, owner of the Posy Place, which has been a sponsor for the roses.

The foundation, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Benedict, supports a variety of programs that directly impact the lives of women, children, families and the poor. The Sisters partner with other agencies such as educational facilities, community health clinics, domestic violence programs, counseling, addiction prevention programs in schools, and child abuse prevention and treatment facilities.

This year 14 institutions will benefit from this campaign: Boys and Girls Club of Weber-Davis (Best Friends Mentoring Program), Catholic Community Services , Center for Grieving Children, Family Counseling Services, Family Support Center of Ogden, Midtown Community Health Center, Ogden Rescue Mission Clinic, Ogden School District Foundation, Prevent Child Abuse Utah, St. Joseph's Catholic Schools, Weber State University (Women's Center), Weber State University (TAPT), Assistance Fund.

The Sisters of St. Benedict are women whose mission is to respond to the call to live according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Rule of St. Benedict. They seek God in a balanced life of prayer and work, simplicity and gracious service. Following the example of Christ, they use their community presence as a means of reaching out to others, as directed in the Rule of St. Benedict.

Donations may be made by calling 801-479-1800; the tea celebration that culminates the event will be May 22 at 11:30 a.m. in the Timbermine Restaurant, 1701 Park Blvd. in Ogden. There is no extra charge for the tea celebration but reservations must be made. To RSVP, call the same number.