Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is featured speaker at annual Spirit of Service Awards Dinner on April 30

By John Shaughnessy

Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Andrew Luck will be the featured speaker at the archdiocese’s Spirit of Service Awards Dinner in Indianapolis on April 30.

Luck will be part of the 16th annual event that will benefit and celebrate the efforts of Catholic Charities Indianapolis to help people in need.

“The archdiocese and Catholic Charities are delighted and honored to have Andrew Luck as our keynote speaker,” said David Bethuram, agency director of Catholic Charities Indianapolis. “We welcome his reputation to inspire others to action whether on the playing field or in life. Through his professional career and the public platform he enjoys, he has sought to build stronger communities.”

Bethuram also noted that Luck’s approach to life reflects many of the values of Catholic Charities.

“He demonstrates the importance in helping others understand and reach their full potential,” Bethuram said. “I’m sure his message is one that will resonate with our audience—many of whom are committed to Catholic values and to bettering our community.”

Catholic Charities Indianapolis has strived to improve the community of central Indiana by serving poor and vulnerable people for more than 90 years, Bethuram noted. The 12 programs of the agency provide services in crisis relief, shelter, eldercare, counseling, pregnancy and adoption services, and individual and family support.

Catholic Charities Indianapolis served more than 48,600 people during the past year, regardless of their religious affiliation or ethnic background.

“The people we serve are our neighbors who might otherwise by unknown, forgotten or marginalized people who have shown courage emerging from despair and humiliation into the hope and light of Catholic Charities,” Bethuram said. “We are grateful for the generosity of so many people who help us serve.”

The dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom is an opportunity for business, community and social service leaders to support the efforts of Catholic Charities Indianapolis. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is at 6:30 p.m.

Tables for eight can be purchased at these levels: $10,000 for a benefactor, $5,000 for a patron and $1,750 for a partner. Individual tickets are available at $225.

“The Spirit of Service Awards Dinner is about blessings,” Bethuram said. “They are the blessings our services bring to the poor and the vulnerable, the blessings our clients bring to those who are privileged to touch their lives, and the blessings our donors bring by making the work of Catholic Charities possible.”
 

(Reservations for the Spirit of Service Awards Dinner can be made online at https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=81ab67. For more information about the event, call Valerie Sperka at 317-592-4072 or send an e-mail to her at vsperka@archindy.org.) †