CCS Dream Builders Breakfast honoring the community

Intermountain Catholic

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SALT LAKE CITY – Catholic Community Services’ fifth annual Dream Builder’s Breakfast will take place May 2.

At this event attendees can learn about CCS’ mission, the people they serve and how anybody can be part of a success story.

At this year’s breakfast, CCS is honoring the Sisters of Saint Benedict; Weber State University; Charles Trentelman, a retired columnist formerly with the Ogden Standard-Examiner; and LDS representatives Mel Gardner and Tim Horton.

"Also, our Young Philanthropist Award is going to Armani McFarland, [an adolescent] who has organized numerous donation drives for CCS," said Danielle Stamos, CCS’ public relations representative.

The Sisters of St. Benedict, who have been in northern Utah since 1946, have announced that they are selling their monastery in Ogden and returning to their motherhouse in Minnesota.

"They do a lot for our community; in all the time that they were in Ogden they helped the community. Now that they are leaving they are leaving several grants for the community agencies in Ogden, and among them CCS," said Jose Lazaro, Development Director of CCS.

Weber State University is being honored because its "students have been such great partners with CCS. They are always assisting us," Lazaro said.

One of the reasons that Charles Trentelman is being honored is because "he has always been a great advocate for the community. Every time that there is a need in the community, Charles is quick to respond and share with his readers. Many agencies benefited because of his reporting," said Lazaro.

Armani McFarland started helping CCS when she was 9 years old. "She is so good, she has done a coat drive a food drive and a clothing drive for us, but also she now volunteers her time at the shelter to read books to the homeless kids. She is a great example of what people can do. Anyone can make a difference," said Lazaro.

Mel Gardner was the LDS Welfare Square manager for a couple of years. "He is a great community partner," said Lazaro.

Tim Horton is like Gardner, always willing to help, Lazaro said. "He is always asking, ‘What do you need? How can we help?’"

At the breakfast, people will be able to hear firsthand what is going on at CCS.

Since 1945, CCS has served Utahans who are most in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or other personal circumstances. Starting from a tiny office, CCS has expanded to include four sites that deliver basic social services to those in need along the Wasatch Front and northern Utah.

CCS programs supply food, clothing and shelter. CCS feeds the hungry, welcomes the refugees, helps the immigrant and serves the troubled.

For sponsorship, people can buy individual tickets at $25 or a table for 10 at $250. RSVP is required. For information, or to RSVP, contact Andy Robertson, 801-428-1231 or arobenson@ccsutah.org, or visit www.ccsutah.org.

WHAT: Dream Builder’s Breakfast  

WHEN: Thursday, May 2

TIME: 7:30 to 9 a.m.

WHERE: Summit Hotel & Conference Center, 247 24th St., Ogden