About 700 guests attended the annual event, almost matching last year’s attendance of 704. By the end of the night, an estimated $250,000 was raised to help support the advancement of seminarian formation and education.
Of the $250,000 raised, $50,000 will go towards the El Sembrador Nueva Evangelizacion (ESNE) Endowment Fund in memory of Maria de Jesus Garcia for the formation of Hispanic seminarians. The Rezek Seminarian Scholarship Fund will receive $20,000. Additionally, there was $40,000 raised that night that will be added to the ESNE Endowment Fund.
The Palm Springs Air Museum’s generosity in waiving the venue’s usage fees significantly helped defray the cost of the event.
“We are grateful to the Museum, especially Mrs. Josie Pond, for the hospitality and care in assisting us with the Bishop’s Dinner this year,” Theresa Montminy, chancellor, said.
Following the dinner and auction, Bishop Gerald Barnes recognized Steve and Linda Osborn, Marcelino “Chico” Garza, Dr. Donald Averill, Father Bob Miller, Monsignor Gerard Lopez, S.T.L., VG and Dr. Jo Dean Salley with the Amar Es Entregarse Award.
The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated a level of dedication and service to community and church and who are a living example of Bishop Barnes’ episcopal motto of “Love is the total giving of oneself”.
The night ended with a Post Gala Social in honor of the Amar Es Entregarse recipients in one of the hangars at the museum. The 14th Annual Bishop’s Diner will be held on April 6, 2013.