Catholic Charities of Denver celebrated record-breaking success at the third annual Beacon of Hope Gala March 8, raising more than $500,000 for women and children in need, particularly those vulnerable to abortion, homelessness and poverty. Proceeds from the event will support ministries provided by Lighthouse Women’s Center, the Gabriel House Project and the Father Ed Judy House for single mothers with children; Project Rachel, which provides post-abortive counseling to women and men; as well as Respect Life Resources.
A highlight of the evening was Tue Nguyen, a student at Notre Dame Catholic School in Denver, pictured here on right, who shared with the 850 guests how a recent presentation by Lynn Grandon, director of Charities’ Lighthouse Women’s Center and Respect Life Resources, pictured here at center, helped her appreciate the value of human life. With Nguyen and Grandon on stage was Larry Smith, president and CEO of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Denver.