By Karmen Lemke, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay
The 11th annual “Inspired to Act” event is in the books! And what a beautiful evening it was. Thanks to the generosity of many sponsors and individual donors, this year’s event raised over $196,000 - a record amount!
The annual event is Catholic Charities’ premier fundraiser of the year and brings together the larger community for an evening of hope and inspiration. This year’s event held on Thursday, May 8, was hosted by Bishop David Ricken and special guest and emcee Fr. Luke Ferris, pastor of Kaukauna Catholic Parishes.
Over 300 people from around the Diocese of Green Bay gathered at The Marq in De Pere.
This year’s program was focused on stories of impact of how Catholic Charities is strengthening families and bringing hope and healing to those in need.
Trevor and Morgan Fuller are community leaders and Allouez residents who have been involved with Catholic Charities’ refugee resettlement program and assisting with housing. They had this to say: “What’s important to know about Catholic Charities is they are truly a mission-based organization. It’s very eye-opening the scope of what they do. There are so many layers.”
Deacon Mark LeGreve, business manager and deacon at St. Francis Assisi in Manitowoc, talked about the partnership with Catholic Charities and creation of a second kiosk location in their parish community which people can use to connect with Catholic Charities.
“Catholic Charities can do things that many other agencies cannot. You just need to call them up and say, ‘I need,’” he said.
Finally, guests were introduced to Paul and Leila Krause and their adoption of baby Nima.
Their story was also one of trust in God and calling on the intercession of our Blessed Mother to answer their prayers of completing their family with a baby.
Chelsea Baucom-Young, Adoption Pregnancy Support Services Manager, walked with them on this journey. On Oct. 7, 2023, their prayers were answered when they received the call about Nima, who is a joyful little boy and a reminder that all good things come from God.
Also at this year’s event, the inaugural Finding the Face of Jesus award was presented to Ruth Mettner, Catholic Charities’ first woman director who served the agency from 1959-1984.
The award is given to someone who models Christ-centered charitable outreach and who has helped to address human suffering while encouraging others to become involved too.
Ruth exemplifies this purpose and, even today, continues to give of her time, talent and treasures to her faith, bringing others closer to Christ.
For the last 11 years, Catholic Charities has been bringing together the community for this special evening, and it would not be possible without our many volunteers and sponsors. This year we’ll also be remembered as the same day Pope Leo XIV became the new leader of the Catholic Church.
Support raised from this year’s event stays in northeast Wisconsin and helps fund critical services like school-based mental health counseling in our underserved and rural Catholic schools, diapers and clothing for families welcoming a new baby, financial health counseling for newly married couples, and so much more!
Please save the date for May 7, 2026, for the 12th annual “Inspired to Act” event.
Listen to this special thank you message from the Catholic Charities team to all who supported the event in any way.
Adoption Story – Click here to hear more about Paul and Leila’s adoption journey.
Faces of Catholic Charities – Listen to these community leaders, donors, and volunteers to see what they have to say about Cahtolic Charities.
Event Photo Gallery - Check out photos from this year’s event, capturing the fun and inspiration of the evening. See any familiar faces?
Support the Mission - If you were unable to attend, but still wish to support Catholic Charities, please consider making a donation, dropping off items from our wish list or volunteering your time with one of our programs.