Honoring Chris Toomey at the Mistletoe Ball

Written by Maria McCall

Catholic Charities’ 33rd Annual Mistletoe Ball, held at Birnam Wood, paid warm tribute to honoree Chris Toomey. Bishop Slawomir Szkredka delivered the invocation and special message from Pope Leo XIV. Martin Bell emceed with his signature charm, opening the program by introducing Irish-born Rev. Maurice O’Mahony with a playful limerick. Father O’Mahony reflected on Toomey’s decades of generosity, including the creation of the Adopt-a-Student program 25 years ago at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Chris Toomey expressed heartfelt thanks to clergy, volunteers, and friends, honoring the many community leaders like Fr. Virgil Cordano and Annette Carrel who shaped the organization’s legacy. He praised the staff as its “unsung heroes.” Yolanda Vasquez, Regional Director, spoke movingly about Catholic Charities’ mission, reminding guests that their presence “is an act of love.”

Event chair Barbara Kummer thanked attendees and offered the elegant, Christmas-themed Hogue & Co. centerpieces as drawing prizes. For the past three years, our dear friend Diane Brighton – a devoted volunteer and generous contributor – has graciously hosted us at her table, making the evening an especially meaningful tradition.

Guests included: Diane Brighton, David and Louise Borgatello, Janet McCann, Jocelyn and William Meeker, Mara Abboud, Patrick Beach, Robert Winston, Anne Towbes, John and Mary Beth Tynan, Peter Hilf, Tish Gainey, and Barbara Kummer.