Everyone has a story in life. The personal stories shared here show how people's lives have been transformed by the power of giving and receiving. We hope you are inspired to a life of generosity, and that you will share your story as well as these with others.
Art
“It’s a very comforting feeling knowing that you will have some influence on things after you are gone,” says Art Thomas, a lifelong Cleveland resident and a member of the Heritage Society, which recognizes individuals...
Tom and Janet Sadowski
Tom and Janet Sadowski have been parishioners at St. Bede the Venerable Parish in Mentor nearly the entirety of their 50+ years of marriage. They can’t remember a time when they didn’t hear about Catholic...
Mitch Bowlus
For Mitch Bowlus, a seasoned investor, knowing that the vast majority of his donations go directly to the cause is important. “I am very careful in my annual giving in who I give to. The...
Alex
Some moments in life radically alter our path. For Alex Spenik, one of those moments occurred during his senior year of high school, just before the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass at Mother of Sorrows in...
Wilma
Wilma has lived in the Glenville neighborhood for over 18 years, and St. Martin de Porres Family Center has been an important part of her life ever since. Before the pandemic, Wilma frequented the Center and...
Berbera & Kitty
Berbera and Kitty have been participating in activities and programs at Blessed Trinity Parish in Akron for over 68 years. As twins, the sisters have spent their entire lives side by side; living together, working...
Genice & GeNiah
Sonya has been a friendly face at Fatima Family Center for over 13 years, and her twin daughters, Genice and GeNiah, have been participating in programs at Fatima since they were little. “I love Fatima...
Paul & Lamar
As a prior foster parent and current shared living caregiver to Lamar and a caregiver to her brother, Paul, Ann is thankful for Catholic Charities Disability Services and their programs that encourage socialization and engagement. Before...
Brookside Gives Back Fund
Chris Anselmo believes in the importance of “giving back” and wanted a way to inspire others to give, as well. In 2017, Chris, who is president of Brookside Tax & Financial Group, LLC, harnessed his...
Graciella
“Blessed is the Lord, that we have food to eat,” says Graciela, a woman who came to the United States from Peru more than 20 years ago. Just a few months ago, Graciela discovered Food...