The Alexian Brothers of the Southeast Foundation hosted its 20th Annual Caritas Ball at the Chattanoogan Hotel on Saturday evening from 7-11 p.m. Over 200 were in attendance for the formal event, including Alexian Brothers employees and residents, along with local community and business leaders to help raise money for older adults in the care of the Alexian Brothers in Chattanooga who outlive their financial resources.
“We don’t ask people to leave when they run out of money—we never will,” said Brother Richard Dube, CFA, Provincial of the Immaculate Conception Province of the Alexian Brothers, covering the United States, Belgium and the Philippines. He traveled from Alexian Brothers Health System’s headquarters in Chicago to give the Invocation at Saturday’s fundraiser.
“Our obligation to God is to care for the poor,” he continued. “Healthcare costs are substantial for today’s older adults, and just about anyone can end up in a nursing home with no money left. We are no less compassionate in these circumstances. It is inspiring to see that we are not alone and that so many in the community share our compassion.”
Bill Bowen, Executive Director of Alexian Brothers of the Southeast Foundation, which hosted the event, was pleased with the evening’s attendance. “We depend upon our individual and community partnerships to make sure there’s always a financial safety net for our residents and program members, said Mr. Bowen. “We are especially grateful to our sponsors, WTCI (PBS), Excel Graphic Services, First Tennessee Bank, Fire Eye Productions and SunTrust Bank. They were immensely helpful in making this evening possible.”
Dinner was concluded by a video featuring Brother John Howard of the Alexian Brothers, who told the true story of an Alexian resident who was able to stay in the residence she called home in spite of having run out of money. Brother John explained in the video that the Caritas Fund was created to help people in similar situations for the reason stated in the Latin phrase on the crest of the Alexian Brothers: Caritas Christi Urget Nos: The charity of Christ compels us.
Fundraising for the event was driven by a silent auction which featured everything from fur coats to bicycles. The ball’s master of ceremonies was WRCB-TV’s Jed Mescon, who introduced guests of honor, promoted the silent auction, and drew the door prizes. Ansley Reagan, Miss Hamilton County, assisted with the presentation of the evening’s events, and dancing music was performed by the Jim Wilson Quintet.
Alexian Brothers of the Southeast Foundation is a non-profit, fundraising ministry of Alexian Brothers of the Southeast, which operates 12 ministries throughout Chattanooga to deliver residential retirement, healthcare, social, cultural, educational and vocational services to older adults regardless of race, religion or economic background.