A Cardinal and a Choir Star in a Milestone $1 Million Night: The Spirit of Charity Takes Flight

What: Catholic Charities‘ 75th anniversary “Spirit of Chairty” celebration

Where: Marriott Marquis Hotel

PC Moment: With the blessings of Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and the celestial sounds of the St. Francis of Assisi Choir, this gala evening was bound for success and surely it was with proceeds just shy of $1 million.

Who better to honor on this diamond anniversary celebration than much-beloved philanthropist Trini Mendenhall, whose constant generosity and sparkling personality are as flawless as the Hope diamond? Among her many good works and leadership through the Trini and O.C. Mendenhall Foundation, she is a past chair of the Catholic Charities board and co-founder of the Caritas Circle.

The gala, attended by more than 500, was chaired by Cheryl and Guy Malden and Joe Hafner. Serving as honorary chairs were Cardinal DiNardo and Raye G. White.

Who: Mayor Sylvester Turner, State Sen. Sylvia Garcia, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Jan and Oniel Mendenhall, Gloria and Frank Kalman, Philamena and Arthur Baird, Patti and Chad Evans, Ally and Burt Martin, and Cynthia Colbert.