Society of St. Vincent de Paul ‘Creating the Legacy’ dinner raises record-breaking funds

Society of St. Vincent de Paul “Creating the Legacy” co-chairs, from left to right, are Nick and Brenda Lanza, and Katherine and Dr. Brian Parsley. The event, which raised more than $550,000, was held on Sept. 14 at River Oaks Country Club in Houston. (Photo courtesy of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul)

HOUSTON — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston held its third annual “Creating The Legacy” endowment dinner on Sept. 14 at River Oaks Country Club, benefiting its fund that supports the endowment and expansion of services to help those in need within our community.

This year, the honoree was the Scanlan Foundation, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, furthering the mission of the Catholic Church in Texas.

“We were excited to be able to share an update on our Underserved Communities Initiative, which is being funded from proceeds from our endowment and from this evening’s proceeds,” said Ann Schorno, the society’s executive director.

The event was co-chaired by Katherine and Dr. Brian Parsley and Brenda and Nick Lanza. Over $550,000 was raised through significant underwriting and a generous crowd that contributed the night of the event, making it a record fundraiser for the society.

Established by the Marek Family Foundation in 2021 in honor of Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, the goal of the “Creating The Legacy” endowment fund is to generate $1 million annually to ensure the expansion of services for the future. Since the inception of this initiative, more than $800,000 in financial assistance has been distributed.

The society has built capacity in six communities to serve the poorest of families with direct financial assistance. With support from generous donors, this vital aid will live on in perpetuity and expand the society’s presence within the Archdiocese, substantially increasing their services to impoverished neighbors.