On June 29th, St. Vincent de Paul celebrated 55 years of service to the community by hosting over 200 Vincentians, volunteers and supports at St. Stephen Church in Walnut Creek.

 

Sister Paule Freeburg, a member of the Daughters of Charity and the Western Region Spiritual Advisor to St. Vincent de Paul, captured the spirit of the evening speaking about the love that it takes to serve the needy day after day.  Additionally, Steve Wilcox spoke on behalf of his wife, Vincentian Peg Wilcox, highlighting the impact that doing the work of a Vincentian has had on their lives.

 

This year’s prestigious Top Hat Award was awarded to Ron Weston, a beloved Vincentian of over 30 years and former Executive Director, who passed away earlier this year. Eileen Weston, Ron’s wife of 54 years and fellow Vincentian, accepted the award with a moving speech that highlighted Weston’s life of service to the needy in the community.

 

Other awards were presented as well, including the following:

 

Blessed Rosalie Rendu (Zeal for the Poor) Award:

 

This award was presented to Vincentians that went above and beyond to serve our neighbors in Contra Costa County. These individuals bring a special level of enthusiasm to their work with the underserved. They are:

 

Sue Banducci, St. John Vianney Joyce Ohanesian, Immaculate Heart of Mary
Tony Bargas, Our Lady Queen of the World Karen Randle, St. Anne
Linda Bilbay, District Council Donald Rondeau, St. Joseph
Rose Cable, St. Catherine of Siena Duane Rusted, Christ the King
Evo Coehlo, St. Anne John Taillac, St. Joan of Arc

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award:

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton overcame many obstacles before dedicating her life to works of charity and education. This award is presented to Vincentians who have persevered through adversity in service to our neighbors in need.

Don DeWitt, St. Agnes                                             Jordan Pitta, Immaculate Heart of Mary              
Flora Dumlao, Our Lady Queen of the World       Noreen Pitta, Immaculate Heart of Mary             
Kathie Hieb, St. Agnes Theresa Rusted, Christ the King  
Maurine Jones, St. John Vianney                          Gloria Schafer, St. Agnes 
Arlesa Miles, St. Callistus Doris Snyder, St. John Vianney
Bev O’Connor, St. Isidore                                       Ted Todd, St. Mary                                  
Ronn O’Connor, St. Isidore                                   Monica Wnuk, St. Joan of Arc                              


 

 

 

The St. Louise de Marillac Award:

St. Louise de Marillac, inspired by her spiritual advisor St. Vincent de Paul, co-founded of the Daughters of Charity as a mechanism to serve the poor.  This established the importance of the role of Spiritual Advisor that The Society utilizes to this day. This award recognizes our fellow Vincentians currently in the role of Spiritual Advisor who exemplify the dedication to the spiritual growth of The Society.

 

 

Francis Barnes, Most Holy Rosary                                      Dick Sanders, St. Isidore
                     Deacon Loc Ngyuen, Our Lady Queen of the World

 

 

Finally, a special recognition award was presented to Mr. Stephen Krank, longtime Vincentian Coordinator for his embodiment of Vincentian values and unwavering service. Pictured below, from left to right, is Ron Costanzo, Board President, Claudia Ramirez, Executive Director, Eileen Weston, Top Hat Award Recipient, Jim Noe, Longtime Vincentian, and Steve Krank, Special Recognition Award Recipient.