Catholic Charities Atlanta will hold its third annual gala on Thursday, April 15, at 6 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Chairpersons for the gala, which raises funds for the programs and services of the Atlanta organization, are Mary Ellen and Scott Garrett, parishioners of St. Jude the Apostle Church, Sandy Springs.

Mary Ellen Garrett noted, “We are looking to build on the success of previous galas while fostering an evening of Catholic fellowship for those attending.”

FOX5 news anchor Russ Spencer will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event, which includes a cocktail reception with auction, seated dinner and live musical selections. The special hosts for the evening are Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory and Bishop Luis R. Zarama.

In honor of the Year for Priests, the chief executive officer of Catholic Charities, Joseph Krygiel, will present the Archbishop Donoghue Award to three priests of the archdiocese who have been particularly supportive of the work of the organization: Msgr. Edward Dillon, pastor of Holy Spirit Church, Atlanta; LaSalette Father Jim Kuczynski, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Smyrna; and Msgr. David Talley, pastor of St. John Neumann Church, Lilburn.

Catholic Charities Atlanta provides assistance to people of all religions and backgrounds who are struggling with poverty and other obstacles. Krygiel said, “The declining state of the economy over the past year has presented challenges for almost everyone. We’ve seen an increase in the number of clients requesting assistance—even from those who never thought they’d have to seek help.”

All proceeds from the gala will benefit Catholic Charities Atlanta.

Individual tickets are $150 each with a special young professional rate of $100 each for those 35 and younger.