An Evening With Ellen & Friends: Celebrating the Season

December 2, 2011

Now that the largest site of St. Gianna Women’s Homes has been open for more than six months, there are many moving stories to share.

Even though each woman’s story is different, each share one common element: all of the women at St. Gianna’s have fled a violent situation and now feel safe and secure. Since we are also concerned about the spiritual well-being of our residents, I am happy to announce that a baby of one of the ladies who fled to save him from abortion has been baptized. This beautiful boy, created in God’s image and likeness, now has the Blessed Trinity indwelling in his soul.

I am elated to announce that our annual concert, An Evening With Ellen & Friends: Celebrating the Season, a benefit for St. Gianna Women’s Homes, will be held Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Rococo Theater, 140 N 13^th St., Lincoln. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at 6 p.m. and the concert will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and all proceeds will help support St. Gianna Women’s Homes.

I would like to thank recording star Ellen Soukup along with her special guest Gene Klosner, who will be performing with her. Performing with them are Father Dave Korth, Ellen’s husband John and their daughter Carolyn, and The Spectrum Singers from Pius X High School in Lincoln.

Also back by popular demand is Dr. Cary Ward and his CSS Concert Band! In addition to this star-studded lineup, there will be some special surprises. Please be reminded that like last year, there are multiple levels of corporate sponsorship opportunities available.

What could be more satisfying than listening to great music and singing, satisfying multiple taste buds with delicious finger foods and desserts, while knowing that your support will directly benefit women who have and will be escaping violent abusers - some of whom have and will be escaping to save their unborn babies?

If I have heard it once, I have heard it many times from the three Marian Sisters at St. Gianna’s: when these ladies see their new home, furnished with beautiful furniture and beds adorned with lovely quilts handmade from ladies all across the diocese, they weep.

There is a special room at St. Gianna’s where these ladies can "shop" at no charge for household, hygiene and other items given to us by our generous donors. Since we are in the seventh month of the project, some are already ready to move on to a safe and permanent location. Because of our generous benefactors, we are able to help them with the same items when they move out, including furniture for their new homes.

I would like to thank Ellen and her talented friends, our corporate sponsors, and everyone involved in planning this year’s concert. I would like to thank in a special way Spirit Catholic Radio because without them, this concert would not be a reality.

For those of you who are free and able to attend this yearly event, I look forward to seeing you Dec. 11. For those who cannot, please pray for the success of this important yearly endeavor. Together, we can help these women and their children in need. St. Gianna, pray for us!

To reserve your tickets, call Lisa at (402) 450-5529. The reservation deadline is Dec. 6.