Held on December 11th at the New York Midtown Hilton, the 79th Annual Cardinal’s Christmas Luncheon brought together over 750 supporters to celebrate faith, community, and generosity, all while raising funds to benefit women and children served by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. The event raised over a million dollars which will significantly aid countless New Yorkers in need. Inspiring moments included heartfelt testimonials, a captivating Christmas Nativity tableau with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and joyful performances that filled the room with the true spirit of the season. Together, attendees embodied compassion and made a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need, showcasing the profound generosity that defines the Christmas season.

The event was hosted by Curt Menefee, Co-Host of Good Day New York and Host of Fox NFL Sunday. Monsignor Joseph P. LaMorte, Vicar General, did the invocation and remarks were made by Mary Buckley Teatum, President of the The Archdiocesan Ladies of Charity as well as Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Catholic Charities NY Executive Director.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Joan B. O’Connor who was the Luncheon Chairperson and Michelle Moosally, one of our trustees, who was the Corporate Chairperson. Michelle conveyed:

it’s so wonderful to see so many people here supporting the wonderful work that Catholic Charities does.

This year, we were honored to celebrate three remarkable individuals who have made a profound impact on their communities and embody the mission of Catholic Charities to serve our neighbors with compassion and love.

Marco Antonio Achón and Luján Artola received the Spirit of Saint Nicholas Award in recognition of their generosity, commitment to uplifting others, and bringing hope into the lives of those who need it most.

Luján is a journalist with a strong vocation for storytelling; her corporate experience includes key roles in institutional relations and corporate responsibility with two major Spanish corporations, Telefónica and NH Hotels. She also served in Spain’s government at the Centre for Political and Constitutional Studies, an agency under the Ministry for the Presidency of Spain. Marco is currently the Global Head of Corporate Banking for Santander and previously served as Head of Corporate and Investment Banking for the U.S. for six years. He is President of the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Colin Powell School Board of Visitors. 

Luján and Marco, who recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary, are committed supporters of Catholic Charities and strive to instill in their three children the values of charity and compassion to those in need. Luján spoke about how “Catholic Charities does a lot of [work] for people who are in need of hope and dignity.” Marco echoed that the event was a “message to all to help the duty that Catholic Charities performs every day. It’s about an everyday gesture” of helping your neighbors in need. Their contributions truly exemplify the spirit of Saint Nicholas and the way in which we can all be of service to the most vulnerable in our communities.

Rosanna Scotto, co-host of Good Day New York on WNYW-FOX, was this year’s recipient of the Christmas Angel Award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to community service and for her outstanding career in journalism. Scotto has won three Emmys for anchoring the “FOX 5 News at 10” and “Good Day New York.” She’s also the winner of the 1995 New York Associated Pres First Place Award for her report, “New York Survival Guide,” in addition to three Associated Press First Place Awards, and two special Associated Press Award nominations. Beyond her incredible professional achievements, she has been a longtime supporter of Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese of New York and has contributed her talents throughout the archdiocese for many years.  

Rosanna Scotto delivered an inspiring and heartfelt speech about the profound importance of giving back to the community, emphasizing how acts of service and generosity reflect the true spirit of the season. Rosanna said:

This luncheon is important because Catholic Charities needs the help. The money raised today funds very critical programs that are going on in the city. [Catholic Charities has] helped every New Yorker in need with food and services. [They have helped] mothers of children who don’t have the proper clothing or nourishment.

Encapsulating the important work of this organization, Rosanna closed with

Body and soul, Catholic Charities is there for you.

During the event, His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan graced us with his presence, emphasizing the significance of Catholic Charities in fulfilling the Archdiocese’s mission of service to those in need.

It is this charity’s luncheon that for 79 years has energized the holiday season for all of us. God the Father gave us the supreme first Christmas gift that is His Only Begotten Son, Christ our Lord. We still give to those in need who happen to have the face of Christ through Catholic Charities in this Archdiocese under the great leadership of Monsignor Kevin Sullivan.

Other notable highlights from the event include opera soloist Ann-Katherin Niemcyzk performing beautiful renditions of classic Christmas carols and Cardinal Timothy Dolan reading the story of Jesus Christ’s birth as the children of Saint John Chrysostom School reenacted the Nativity scene. The 79th Annual Cardinal’s Christmas Luncheon was a warm celebration which concluded with all attendees joining the children’s choir in joyfully singing “Hark the Herald, Angels Sing.”

As we look back on this heartfelt celebration of generosity and community, we are reminded of the true spirit of Christmas—a time to bring love, hope, and compassion to our neighbors in need. Your support can help sustain the invaluable programs provided by Catholic Charities NY, benefiting youth, families, individuals with disabilities, housing initiatives, immigrants, and vital food services. To make a meaningful difference, we invite you to contribute to this ongoing mission of care and support.