Guests attending Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s 18th Annual Spirit of Saint Nicholas ball, Friday, December 7, at the Hilton Chicago savored the spirit of the season marked by kindness, generosity, compassion and love for children.

The elegant black-tie event drew a record 1,300 guests and raised over $ 675,000 in net proceeds for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s children’s programs that serve over 160,000 at risk youth in Cook and Lake counties.

Chaircouple Diana and George Moser, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Charter National Bank, led a team of dedicated volunteers and philanthropists from throughout the Chicagoland region to create a gracious and festive celebration to benefit the vulnerable and poor children served by Catholic Charities. The Mosers also provided angel centerpieces surrounded by fresh wreaths ready for the season as their gift to table hosts and sponsors.

“We appreciate the generous support we received from Saint Nicholas Ball patrons which permits us to continue to serve the ever growing number of children in need. For many families, our early childhood food programs provide the main nutritional resource for their young children. We’re also able to help working families by co-locating early childhood development centers and after-school care programs so siblings are cared for in one place.,” said Rev. Michael M. Boland, president, administrator and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

“The Saint Nicholas ball proceeds enable us to continue to meet children’s needs as well as to support mothers with special counseling on domestic abuse, job training, nutritional training or teen parenting skills.”

“Our goal is to provide beneficiaries of Catholic Charities with the professional services they need to help them become self-sufficient and to lead healthier, happier lives with a bright future,” Father Boland added.

The evening began beneath the tapestry of Saint Nicholas to the joyous music of “The Carololing Party ” in the Grand Hall where guests were greeted by Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago; Father Boland, and the Mosers.

Guests proceeded into the golden Grand Ballroom to enjoy delectable hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails while awaiting the elegant dinner set in the adjacent International Ballroom.

Guests were treated to a special musical performance by the some of the children enrolled in Catholic Charities’ childhood development and after-school programs at Cordi-Marian, Our Lady of Tepeyac and St. Joseph schools in Chicago.

Guests then enjoyed a bountiful four-course dinner beginning with lobster portobello napoleon with an entree of braised short ribs in a red wine reduction paired with opaka-paka, accompanied with potato and truffle strudel, broccolini, a carrot mouse tower and red and yellow pepper strips wrapped in a carrot ring. A tantalizing chocolate delight of Bailey’s Irish Cream mousse with berries and chocolate sauce topped off the gourmet feast.

Many of the guests danced throughout the evening to the spirited sounds of the “Gentlemen of Leisure” band.

To learn more about how to become involved with or to assist Catholic Charities please visit www.catholiccharities.net