CWL luncheon to benefit Weigand Center, Kearns-St. Ann School's reading program

Friday, Sep. 23, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY — Emma McCormick Bird established the Catholic Woman’s League (CWL) in 1916 in the Diocese of Salt Lake. Since 1921, members of the CWL have been gathering together and raising money for non-profit organizations. Not affiliated with a specific parish, the CWL is a Utah nonprofit that “works for the interest of Christ, promotes spirituality based on the principles of our Catholic faith, advances literary and educational interests and assists in philanthropic efforts for the welfare of our community,” according to their mission statement. 

Each year, the CWL hosts a luncheon in conjunction with a fashion show that is sponsored by various retailers; volunteers from throughout the diocese model the clothes. Proceeds from the raffles at the luncheon benefit selected non-profits. Each year, nonprofits submit an application. These applications are voted on by the CWL board; the top two are chosen from the list of applicants. Each year, about 10 organizations apply. In the past, organizations like Saint Mary Parish’s Gabriel Project, which helps pregnancy woman in need, and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish have been beneficiaries of the fundraiser.

This year, proceeds from the luncheon will go to Kearns-St. Ann School’s reading program and Catholic Community Services’ Weigand Homeless Resource Center. Christopher and Banks is sponsoring the fashion show.

“We are so happy that the CWL is supporting the Weigand Center,” said Kathy Scott, client intake worker for the Weigand Center.  “About 30 percent of our clients are women who are often experiencing the worst time in their lives. They are homeless, often estranged from their family, and they are dealing with terrible issues that are devastating and heart breaking. The fact that the CWL cares enough to recognize these women is a very positive affirmation to these women.”

Kearns-Saint Ann School, one of the oldest schools in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, takes pride “in accepting children of all races and nationalities and all economic situations,” said Rose Graham, the school accountant. 

About 25 percent of the Kearns-St. Ann student population are from refugee families, and more than 70 percent are low income.

“English is a second language for many of our students,” Graham said. “This donation will be used for our reading program. We are in need of materials that will enhance reading and language for our students and enable our students to learn at a more accelerated rate.”

The luncheon is open to the public. Last year, 250 women from throughout the diocese attended.

Donations for raffle items are being accepted; some that have already been donated are a Cuisinart Stainless Steel 9-cup food processor and a Grand America Tea for four, according to the CWL. For information, contact Linda Burt, lindaburt20@hotmail.com. 

 WHAT: Benefit Luncheon by the Catholic Woman’s League 

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, beginning at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main St., SLC

TICKETS: $38; RSVP to patty@camrina.com or 801-571-6952.