FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2017

Contact: Zena Weist, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
913.433.2045
[email protected]

OVERLAND PARK, KS – The Overland Park Convention Center will be the new site for this year’s 43rd Annual Snow Ball benefiting Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas. Lynn and Jay Reardon are the Presidents for the established black-tie gala, which is expected to draw over 1,800 supporters on Saturday, January 21, 2017.

The evening’s festivities begin at 6 pm with a cocktail reception, followed by a formal dinner that leads into live music and dancing. “We’re excited to be a part of this celebration of giving that significantly impacts the lives of those in need,” says Lynn Reardon.

Honorary Presidents Pat Wilkerson, Rich Teahan and Don Foley will be commended during the evening for their steadfast support of Catholic Charities. “These three men are great friends who have kindly and generously supported the mission of Catholic Charities, along with their families, for over four decades,” adds Jay Reardon, noting that they were part of Snow Ball when it was a simple gathering of friends committed to a single cause — helping those in need.

Over the years, Snow Ball has evolved from a small, potluck supper held at the former Glenwood Manor Hotel in Overland Park, to becoming one of the area’s largest fundraisers. For many, it has become a family tradition with second, third and even fourth generations coming together in support of the work of Catholic Charities.

“Snow Ball is unique because it really is a culmination of families, friends and the community who are passionate about helping the poor and most vulnerable throughout our 21-county service area,” says Ken Williams, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. “It’s amazing to see the generosity year after year from those who not only want to help, but want to give hope to the families we serve.”

Last year, Snow Ball raised a record-breaking $2.1 million. Proceeds help support nine food pantries and more than 20 programs and services for people of all faiths at all stages of life beginning with pregnancy counseling and adoption to in-home support for seniors and hospice care.

“Thanks to the success of Snow Ball, we’re able to help stabilize those in crisis by providing food, shelter, clothing and utility assistance,” says Williams. “More than that, we’re able to strengthen families and help them move toward self-sufficiency by educating them about building and balancing a family budget, ways to eliminate debt and how to improve their employment situation.”

For more information about Snow Ball or to purchase individual tickets and tables, visit catholiccharitiessnowball.org or call 913.433.2046.

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Photo caption: Honorary Snow Ball Presidents Pat Wilkerson, Rich Teahan and Don Foley (far right) join Snow Ball Presidents Jay and Lynn Reardon. 

About Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
Founded in 1956, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is a nonprofit, faith-based health and human services agency that assists annually people of all faiths in our community. Catholic Charities serves 21 counties in northeast Kansas with service site locations in Atchison, Emporia, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Kansas City, KS, Olathe, Overland Park, Topeka and two traveling Resource Buses. Our goal is to offer tangible hope to our neighbors in need by helping families move from a situation of poverty and anxiety to one of self-sufficiency and stability. All services provided are free and based on need – not religion, race or nationality. For more information, please visit: catholiccharitiesks.org.