Thursday, May 16th
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Harvey’s Burger Bar at Gallo’s
8101 Roosevelt Blvd. Phila, PA 19152
Sarnelli House - Ardent Mills: Helping Fight Food Insecurity
I am a proud product of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales as an alumnus of North Catholic High School (Philadelphia) and DeSales University (Center Valley, PA). Though quite an imperfect man, the values instilled in me based on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales have remained with me throughout my life.
“find out what God wants and try to carry it out cheerfully.”
When asked to write an article on Sarnelli House in Kensington for an industry journal, I agreed because I was so moved by their work. The article that I wrote addresses the “100 Billion Meal Challenge” for hunger and food insecurity. My friend and mentor, the late Fr. Bill Guerin, OSFS, always pointed to St. Francis de Sales’ teaching, “find out what God wants and try to carry it out cheerfully.” This made me say yes to the article request though it was an easy yes! You see, I work for the great people at Ardent Mills, the largest grain processing company in North America, and I am a member of the National Pasta Association. I shared the story of the Sarnelli House because I am particularly interested in helping the people in the Kensington section of Philadephia. In my heart, they are my people.
Sarnelli House (Photo credit bscphilly.org)
I was born and raised in Kensington, one of seven children who attended (now closed) Ascension of Our Lord grade school. I grew up in this poor, working-class neighborhood, and even though my parents moved out when I was in my 20s, I saw the dissolution and decay of the neighborhood firsthand. Today, many people in Kensington face drug addiction, mental illness, and poverty.
The good people of the neighborhood are never far from my thoughts and prayers. Writing about people who take action in Kensington and live out the teachings of St. Francis de Sales far better than me is a great opportunity to help those suffering. This also let me follow the guidance of St. Francis de Sales, ”do everything you can, do the best you can, and let God do the rest.” Writing the article was a no-brainer.
I was first connected to Sarnelli House several years ago. I had the opportunity to volunteer and meet Kim and Kathleen Collins, two devoted siblings who live in Kensington, and serve over 1,000 meals per week and provide clothing, shoes, and other much-needed essentials. Their passion and devotion to those whom society has largely forgotten in the place where I grew up was absolutely inspiring.
FOX29 Philadelphia Story:
Sisters in Kensington Feed, Clothe Those in Need with Dignity
After my first stint as a volunteer, I drove 45 minutes home in complete silence wondering what I just witnessed and how I could help more. I began to consider why some people care enough to help those in need and others don’t feel that urge. Then it struck me that many volunteers and those who help are friends from Oblate schools I attended. Of those volunteers preparing food, distributing clothing, acquiring food, and providing financial support I counted many Oblate-educated men and women.
It was a humbling moment. I wish I were as good a person as these people. St. Francis de Sales says that there are three things needed to pray: “humility, humility, and humility”..if these good people are not the embodiment of this notion then I don’t know who is. When I think of the faith in action displayed by the Collins sisters and the volunteers educated by the Oblates, I am energized to share their stories and am motivated to help.
In closing, I am compelled to ask: “If we truly want to follow the teachings of St. Francis de Sales, what are we doing to help and support those in need? What are we doing to help those who help those living the Salesian values and inspire more people to become like the Collins sisters or the Oblate-influenced people who help those in need?”
When I reflect on the opportunity to volunteer at Sarnelli, write the article, or share these reflections, I feel blessed that an imperfect person like me can aspire to follow the teachings of St. Francis de Sales and still be a force for some good in my own small way. I am hopeful you feel the same.
Mr. Rich DeLeo
Registration Confirmation
We look forward to seeing you!
April 19th ~ 7:30 AM
The Union League at Torresdale Philadelphia, PA
3801 Grant Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19114
If you would like to donate to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales please click here.
Join the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Business Network
JOIN US!
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Business Network offers opportunities for spiritual and professional growth for Gospel-minded people in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales. When you join the Network you will receive our quarterly digital newsletter and be invited to Networking Breakfasts, Happy Hour & the Rev. William A. Guerin Memorial Dinner Dance!
Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Business Network
Continuing the work of Fr. William A. Guerin, OSFS, The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Business Network offers opportunities for spiritual and professional growth for Gospel-minded people in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales.
Networking Breakfasts
Held in April and October, Networking Breakfasts feature a guest speaker and time to network! Held at The Union League at Torresdale, the Breakfasts also wrap up by 9AM so you get to your next venture.
Happy Hours
Our Happy Hours are very informal, casual opportunities for Network members to come together, share stories, meet new folks and experience Salesian friendship.
Join us for the next Happy Hour!
Thursday, May 16th
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Harvey’s Burger Bar at Gallo’s
8101 Roosevelt Blvd. Phila, PA 19152
Fr. Guerin Memorial Dinner Dance
Held in January at The Union League in Philadelphia, this black-tie gala raises funds for retired Oblates and is a very fun night of dinner, dancing, and Salesian friendship.
Mission of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Business Network
To honor the memory of Fr. William Guerin, OSFS, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Business Network will offer engagement and social opportunities for spiritual growth for Gospel-minded people in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales to fuel the grace that, in the words of Fr. Guerin, “gets you to heaven."
VIEW SLIDE SHOWS OF PAST NETWORK EVENTS
“Friendship requires great communication.
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Sponsorship Levels
$ 20,000 St. Francis de Sales Sponsor
Two tables of 10 (20 guest tickets) dinner & admission
Promotion opportunities:
30-second promotional ad/greeting during the gala
Name/logo/website appears on an exclusive video frame during the gala
Name/logo/website and link (URL) appears on gala website page
Name/logo/company information appears on a printed card with gourmet dinner
$ 10,000 Blessed Louis Brisson Sponsor
One table of 10 (10 guest tickets) dinner & admission
Promotion opportunities:
Name/logo/website appears on an exclusive video frame during the gala
Name/logo/website and link (URL) appears on gala website page
Name/logo/company information appears on a printed card with gourmet dinner
$ 5,000 Fr. Guerin Sponsor
Six (6) guest tickets dinner & admission
Promotion opportunities:
Name/logo/website and link (URL) will appear on gala website page
Name/logo/company information appears on a printed card with gourmet dinner
$ 2,500 Cocktail Hour Sponsor
Four (4) guest tickets dinner & admission
$ 1,000 Entertainment Sponsor
Two (2) guest tickets dinner & admission
$ 500 Program Sponsor
Two (2) guest tickets dinner & admission
DeSales Networking Breakfast Featuring Chris Therien
Thank You!
Thank you for supporting the Dinner Dance!
Please make checks payable to:
Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
2200 Kentmere Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19806
Please contact Nancy Myron at 302-656-8529 ext. 21
See you on January 14th
The Union League, Center City Philadelphia
Pay by Check for Guerin Dinner Dance Sponsorship or Tickets
Thank you for supporting the Dinner Dance!
Complete the form below and mail in your check.
See Sponsorship Level Benefits Below
$20,000 St. Francis de Sales Sponsor
$10,000 Blessed Louis Brisson Sponsor
$ 5,000 Fr. Guerin Sponsor
$ 2,500 Cocktail Hour Sponsor
$ 1,000 Entertainment Sponsor
$ 500 Program Sponsor
$ 150 Ticket
To purchase Sponsorship or Tickets by check, complete this form:
Please make checks payable to Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and mail to Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, 2200 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806 Contact Nancy Myron at 302-6568529 ext. 21
Sponsorship Level Benefits
$20,000 – Saint Francis de Sales Sponsor
· Two tables of 10 (20 tickets)
· Promotion on Dinner Dance media platforms
· Recognition on event signage & in event program
$10,000 – Brisson Sponsor
· One table of 10 tickets
· Promotion on Dinner Dance media platforms
· Recognition on event signage & in event program
$ 5,000 – Fr. William A. Guerin Sponsor
· Six guest tickets
· Promotion on Dinner Dance media platforms
· Recognition on event signage & event program
$ 2,500 – Cocktail Hour Sponsor
· Four guest tickets
· Promotion on Dinner Dance website
· Recognition on event signage & in event program
$ 1,000 – Entertainment Sponsor
· Two guest tickets
· Recognition on event signage & in event program
$ 500 – Program Sponsor
· Two guest tickets
· Recognition in event program
The 29th Rev. William A. Guerin, OSFS Memorial Dinner Dance
The Memorial Dinner Dance Returns to Center City!
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Union League, Center City
140 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
This annual celebration is a great opportunity to come together in community and celebrate the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and the late Father Bill Guerin, OSFS, as well as so many Oblates who work to spread Salesian Spirituality. The Heartbeats are back for a lively, fun celebration!
This special event supports our priests and brothers whose lives have positively impacted countless students, parishioners, families, and co-workers. All funds raised are dedicated to caring for our infirm and retired men living at the Oblate Retirement Residence at Annecy Hall, MD and Salesiansum Residence.
