Catholic Charities of Idaho to celebrate 25th Anniversary

Purchase tickets for the 2025 Harvest of Hope Gala & Dinner now while they are still available

By Philip A. Janquart

ICR Editor

For 25 years, Catholic Charities of Idaho (CCI) has supported those in need, providing services and programs rooted in the Gospel.

But the mission would fall short without

Bishop Peter F. Christensen speaks during the 2024 CCI Gala and

Dinner Fundraiser. (Courtesy photo)

the generous donations of CCI supporters. The annual gala and dinner, the organization's most significant fundraiser of the year, is scheduled for Oct. 25, 2025, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Chateau des Fleurs, located at 176 S. Rosebud Lane in Eagle.

“Catholic Charities of Idaho is celebrating 25 years of serving Idahoans in need; let’s come together in gratitude and hope, helping support their invaluable work for the next quarter century,” said Idaho Bishop Peter F. Christensen in a statement.

This year’s gala, titled the “Harvest of Hope Gala and Dinner,” carries the theme “Anchored in Hope,” echoing Pope Francis’ 2024 declaration that 2025 would be a Jubilee Year of Hope.

Registration for the event ends Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m. Mountain time. However, tickets have historically sold out quickly, so those planning to attend are encouraged to purchase well in advance.

To purchase tickets or sign up as a sponsor, visit ccidaho.org/gala, call Donor Relations Manager Shyla Rankin at (208) 350-7482 or scan the QR code.

Sponsorships

Catholic Charities of Idaho Executive Director Eddie Trask said efforts are underway to secure sponsors, which are crucial components in the nonprofit organization’s ability to provide faith-based counseling, immigration legal services and social services.

“We depend on our donors and sponsors to help us continue to provide these critical services to all those in need,” he told the Idaho Catholic Register (ICR). “This year, we are giving a nod to the saints through our sponsorship packets. There is a saint tied to every sponsorship level, from immigration to charity workers.”

This year, the highest-level sponsorship is designated as the Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Presenting Sponsor.

Also known as Elisabeth of Thuringia, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and the landgravine of Thuringia, is the patron saint of charity workers. She was married at 14 and widowed at 20, but regained her dowry, using the money to build a hospital where she served the sick. She became a symbol of Christian charity after she died in 1231 at the age of 24 and was canonized on May 25, 1235.

A live auction is part of the Catholic Charities of Idaho's 25th anniversary Gala and Fundraiser to be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Chateau des Fleurs in Eagle, Idaho on Oct. 10. (Courtesy photo)

Those committing to this highest level of sponsorship receive two tables of eight, four bottles of premium wine per table, a full-page ad in the gala program with logo/name on invitations and event signage, and a special thank you and recognition at the dinner.

This level of sponsorship impacts an average of 250 families.

Other sponsorship packages are represented by Saint John Bosco, patron of youth; Saint Damien of Molokai, patron of outcasts; Saint Dymphna, patron of mental health; Saint Francis Cabrini, patron of immigrants; and Saint Jeanne Jugan, patron of the elderly and destitute.

Expansion?

Catholic Charities of Idaho currently has two locations, at 7201 W. Franklin in Boise (adjacent to Bishop Kelly High School), and 611 Wilson Ave., Suite 6B in Pocatello.

“We are not in a position to release a strategic plan, but the board has approved some pretty ambitious strategic ideas, a nod to the fact that they want to serve more Idahoans. We all have a strong desire to expand our reach.”

Rankin added that CCI is always open to ideas from the public.

“If there are things in the community that people want to see happen, we want to hear your feedback,” she told the ICR. “Don’t be afraid to call and ask questions. We don’t know unless we talk.”

 Community impacts through Catholic Charities of Idaho

Editor’s note: The following information was pulled from CCI’s Impact Report for fiscal year 2023-24.

• People served through faith-based counseling – 170, with 14,000 counseling clinical hours provided

• Immigration representations – 227

• People served through community education events – 304

• Community legal screenings – 107

• Senior housing clients – 47

• Hygiene kits distributed – 63

• Case management clients – 40

• Family housing stabilization clients – 34

• Referrals provided – 1,156

• Families sponsored for Christmas giving – 100

• Resettlement clients – 10

• Hours providing referrals – 1,326

• Diapers distributed – 13,034

• Cold-weather clothing articles provided – 2,211 ($49,747)

• Victims of human trafficking supported – 7 ($6,403.27)