Those who 'live the faith' recognized

Intermountain Catholic

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Armani McFarland, 9, receives the 2013 Catholic Community Services Young Philanthropist Award during the fifth annual Dream Builders Breakfast. IC photo/Marie Mischel

OGDEN — Hundreds of people gathered May 2 for "a special day to recognize all the good work in the community," according to Marcie Valdez, director of Catholic Community Services Northern Utah, which hosted the fifth annual Dream Builders Breakfast at the Summit Hotel & Conference Center in Ogden.

"Every day we see lives that have been shattered, people who have been broken, often by circumstances that are beyond their control," Valdez said. "The glue that mends these pieces is love, and there is no greater love than that of service to another, and one of the best places to witness loving service to another is at Catholic Community Services. Often people in poverty are so overwhelmed by just trying to survive that they have forgotten how to dream. Today, our Dream Builders Breakfast is about recognizing a few of the people and organizations in our community who have committed their lives to helping those less fortunate remember to dream."

In a video presentation, one of CCS’ clients, Na-Tasha Bowman, succinctly summed up the organization’s benefits: CCS, she said, "put food in my belly, clothes on my back, and a hug when I needed it. You can’t beat that."

The Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, thanked the award winners as well as those gathered "for all that you do in living the faith. It makes such a difference in our communities," he said. "Living the faith is not going to happen unless you’re in love with Jesus Christ, and unless you’re in love with the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.... You are living the faith. You are the ones who are putting your faith into action, grounded in love."

The first award recipient was Armani McFarland; the 9-year-old’s Young Philanthropist awardee inspired admiring comments from all of the other recipients who spoke. McFarland coordinated a food drive that brought in almost 1,000 pounds of goods to CCS. She then collected more than 150 backpacks and a trailer full of supplies to donate to needy students and volunteered all day when the supplies were distributed. Next she gathered 450 coats; and now is collecting books for children in need and gearing up for another backpack drive, Valdez said.

"I think it’s so important for people to know that no matter how young or how old you are, if it’s just you or you have 100 friends that want to help you, anyone can help make a difference to help those who can’t help themselves," McFarland said in her remarks.

The Sisters of Saint Benedict, who also received a standing ovation from those present, were recognized as Lifetime Achievers. The sisters have supported CCS in many ways, including donating to its programs through their nonprofit St. Benedict’s Foundation.

Since the Benedictines arrived in Utah 65 years ago, they have shown "a loving eye, a powerful presence, a grateful heart and hope. When one of the sisters looks at you it is with a heart full of pure love, and that is a gift to be treasured," Valdez said.

The sisters are preparing to leave Ogden and return to their mother house in Minnesota. "We are sad at their impending departure but they have shown us how to live and how to love," Valdez said. "It is up to us to not forget what the sisters have taught us and to carry their legacy forward."

The others who were recognized at the breakfast were Charles Trentelman, Community Advocate; Mel Gardner & Tim Hjorten, Community Partner; and Weber State University, Corporate Partner.