Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Inc. will host a black-tie fundraising gala for the first time in the organization’s 54-year history.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, at the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta.

Lee and Sheila Shaw, parishioners at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, are helping to organize the event.

“The work of Catholic Charities enhances our community by helping people of all religions and backgrounds who are struggling with poverty and other challenges unlock their hidden potential and create a life worth living,” said Lee Shaw, a director of the Shaw Family Foundation, one of the sponsors for the event.

Catholic Charities is among the state’s well-known professional providers of counseling and services to pregnant women and families in crisis, immigrants and refugees. It was established in 1953.

The agency was a major provider in a statewide collaboration to serve thousands of Hurricane Katrina and Rita families who fled to Georgia, providing housing, counseling and job placement services.

Last year, Catholic Charities placed 19 babies in adoptive homes and provided more than 300 low-income families with infant seats, cribs, high chairs and other baby supplies. More than 2,000 persons received mental health counseling. Overall, more than 7,000 families were served last year.

“The success of this fundraising gala will ensure the agency can continue and expand its services to the needy. At the same time, we can recognize two individuals who have supported Catholic Charities’ mission in an outstanding way,” said Sheila Shaw.

The Archbishop Donoghue Awards will be presented to two recipients at the gala: the late Rawson Haverty Sr., for service to families and children, and Dr. Michael M.E. Johns, for service to individuals and communities. The awards recognize these individuals for their great acts of charity, compassion and contributions that have improved the lives of individuals, families and children in Atlanta and North Georgia.

Catholic Charities Atlanta received honors for good stewardship at the end of 2007. A data integrity review by the United Way about Catholic Charities’ information and referral service resulted in the highest rating possible, meaning that the organization demonstrated compliance with a majority of criteria in all categories of the review. According to United Way, “This rating is a testament to (the) organization’s commitment to excellence, good stewardship, and reliable data collection and reporting.” Catholic Charities will be recognized at United Way’s Measurement Roundtable in April.

The honorary host of the event is Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, and Archbishop-emeritus John F. Donoghue will be the honorary guest. The keynote speaker is Father Ricardo Bailey, and the master of ceremonies is Russ Spencer of FOX 5 Atlanta.

Sponsorship levels range in levels from $150 for a “friend’s ticket” to $20,000 for platinum level (including eight guest tickets). All proceeds go to support the programs and services of Catholic Charities, Atlanta.

The Piedmont Driving Club is located at 1215 Piedmont Ave., NE, Atlanta.