On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York welcomed nearly 800 guests to its 16th Annual Gala at the American Museum of Natural History. Set beneath the iconic blue whale, the evening brought together leaders in business, philanthropy, and faith to celebrate a shared commitment to helping New Yorkers in need.
Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, the event raised a record-breaking $3.6 million, which will directly support Catholic Charities’ extensive network of programs—providing food, shelter, legal aid, mental health support, and other critical services to more than 400,000 individuals across the region each year.
NBC 4 New York’s Lynda Baquero served as emcee, opening the evening with a warm welcome. Sister Donna Markham, OP, Ph.D, past president of Catholic Charities USA, offered the invocation, and Catholic Charities’ own Paola Martinez led the National Anthem.
A short video highlighted the scope and depth of Catholic Charities’ impact across the ten counties of the Archdiocese. Guests also enjoyed a special performance by Loren Allred, the acclaimed voice behind “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman.
The evening’s Deus Caritas Est Awards honored three individuals whose leadership and generosity continue to uplift vulnerable New Yorkers:
- Marcos A. Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of Palladium Equity Partners, LLC
- Susan L. Camerata, CFO of Wavecrest Management, and
- Michael T. Rooney Sr., CEO of MDG Design + Construction.
Rodriguez shared a powerful personal story about arriving in New York as a five-year-old Cuban refugee, and how Catholic Charities helped his family make a new start.
“That flight from Madrid to JFK in 1967 was my first glimpse of the mission of Catholic Charities,” he said. “To uphold the dignity of each person as made in the image of God, by serving the basic needs of the poor and oppressed of all religions.”
Camerata and Rooney were recognized for their profound impact on affordable housing in New York City. Through Wavecrest Management and MDG Design + Construction, operating as RDC Development, they have helped preserve and revitalize thousands of affordable housing units—ensuring that low-income families have access to safe, stable homes.
“Working in affordable housing, I have seen firsthand how a stable home can change the trajectory of a person’s life,” Camerata noted. Rooney added, “It’s about building and strengthening communities. Catholic Charities understands that.”
The evening also marked a heartfelt tribute to Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, and his 25+ years of service as Executive Director. A moving video montage honored his leadership as he led Catholic Charities of New York through some of New York’s most challenging moments, including 9/11, Superstorm Sandy, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Board Chair Catherine R. Kinney reflected on his lasting legacy and announced the creation of the Monsignor Kevin Sullivan Lifetime Service Award, which will recognize extraordinary commitment to service to New Yorkers in need in his name.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the rare kind of leadership, one grounded not just in vision and strategy, but in humility, humanity, and an unwavering belief in the dignity of every person,” Kinney said. Immediate past Chair, Eugene McQuade and Bill Anderson, Chair of the Board of Catholic Charities joined the special presentation to Monsignor Sullivan.
In his closing remarks, Monsignor Sullivan thanked supporters, staff, and the families Catholic Charities serves. He spoke of small acts of compassion—a bus fare, a warm meal, a safe place to sleep—and the dignity that underpins them all.
“Catholic Charities is not just about providing help,” he said. “It’s about asserting the dignity of every person as made in the image of God.”
Then, in a moment that surprised the room, Monsignor Sullivan reached under the podium and presented Bill Anderson with a special parting gift: a baseball autographed by Yankees legend, Babe Ruth. With a smile, he offered it as a symbolic donation to Catholic Charities, humorously adding that it could be auctioned off “tonight—or in the next five years.” The lighthearted gesture underscored Sullivan’s trademark blend of sincerity, humility, and humor.
As the evening drew to a close, His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan offered a final reflection, directing the audience’s gaze upward to the iconic blue whale above.
“The whale reminds us of Jonah, rescued after three days in darkness—just as Christ rose from the tomb,” he said. “And His resurrection still goes on, as death and despair are conquered by life, light, and the hope of Catholic Charities.”
He ended with a note of heartfelt appreciation:
“We couldn’t do it without you. And most of all—thanks be to God, without whom nothing is possible, and with whom nothing is impossible.”
As Catholic Charities enters our second century of service, the 2025 Gala stood as both a celebration of collective impact and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a city comes together with compassion and purpose.
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