HOWARD BEACH — When Bishop Robert Brennan extended an invitation to lunch, little did he realize that 1,100 people would show up.
The annual Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon, held on Dec. 11 at Russo’s on the Bay, drew such a large crowd that tables were set up not only in the main ballroom but in adjoining rooms and even on the stage where the awards presentations took place.
It was the largest crowd ever to attend the luncheon, according to John Notaro, executive director of the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens, the organizer of the event.
“The size of the crowd today is truly amazing, and I think it speaks volumes as to who we are as a diocese,” Notaro said. “This is truly a diocesan event, and we’re celebrating our mission.”
The luncheon, which serves as a fundraiser for Catholic education and youth ministry in the Diocese of Brooklyn, raised $400,000, he added.
Bishop Brennan was pleased with the turnout and the luncheon’s focus on children. “Young people continue to inspire me,” he said.
The four honorees — Domenick Ranieri, a retired senior vice president of American Express, Walter and Eunice Campbell, founders of the George K. Campbell Scholarship, and Father Joseph Fonti, pastor of the Church of St. Mel in Flushing — received their awards from Bishop Brennan and Notaro.
The Campbells, who have been parishioners of Holy Family Church in Canarsie for 50 years, were presented with the Spirit of Hope Award. Walter is a Eucharistic minister, catechist, and head usher. Eunice is a Eucharistic minister and belongs to the church’s prayer circle.
The couple suffered a tragedy 18 years ago that sparked a desire to help others. After their son George, 20, was killed in a car crash on the Belt Parkway, Walter and Eunice worked through their grief and established the George K. Campbell Scholarship in his memory.
Through the scholarship, the Campbells have helped hundreds of families afford Catholic education for their children. Their daughter, Yma Campbell, said the foundation keeps George’s memory alive.
“My parents knew that keeping his memory alive also meant giving back to the community. You don’t give up, but you give back,” she said.
Earlier, Deacon Kevin McCormack, the superintendent of schools for the diocese, talked about the importance of fundraising efforts for Catholic schools. He said a third of the diocese’s Catholic school students receive financial help.
Walter said he was honored and humbled to receive the award.
“I didn’t expect it, honestly,” he said. “We just do what we have to do.”
“I’m grateful that we’re able to help our church and help the children,” added Eunice, who sent all of the couple’s children to Catholic schools.
Ranieri was presented with the Emma A. Daniels Benefactor’s Award. A parishioner of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Bayside, he is a parish trustee and a member of the finance committee. For many years, he also led the pre-Cana program for couples preparing for marriage.
Ranieri, who also serves as a member of the board of trustees of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy, said his business experiences have helped in his efforts to move the academy forward.
“Just like in business, you always have to step it up,” Ranieri said. “You always have to do more. Find those passions that you think you can make an impact on and consider the talents you have.
“Each of us has talents that we bring to the table. Sometimes it’s money, sometimes it’s time.”
Father Fonti received the St. John Paul II Distinguished Stewardship Award. When St. Mel’s Catholic Academy was set to close in 2021, Father Fonti worked with parents to save the school by repurposing it as an early childhood education center for nursery school to third-grade students.
He said he was surprised to be named an honoree.
“I feel unworthy, and I feel that being highlighted is not really my comfortable space,” Father Fonti said. “But I’m accepting it with an awareness that I’ve been called to serve and to serve in particular, the mission of the Church — educating children.”
