Legacy Dinner 2009

Our second annual Legacy Dinner took place on Thursday, September 10 in the Gillespie Conference Center at the new Hilton Garden Inn, just north of the Saint Mary's College campus. This Legacy Dinner was a resounding success! More than $103,000 was raised by this event. These funds will help the Society to continue its mission of providing service to the poor in our community. Approximately 450 people from the business world, from our parishes, and from St. Vincent de Paul conferences, attended this gala event.

The evening began with a cocktail hour. In addition to providing time to socialize, this also allowed guests time to look over and bid on the many silent auction items. Guests were then seated and dinner followed. During dinner an oral auction was conducted. Following this, the Ozanam Award was presented to Mr. Charles Sweeney. A beautiful video portraying the work of the society was then shown, followed by the keynote address.

The keynote address was given by Anthony D. Douglas, a 22 year employee of Key Bank where he is currently Vice President. He is also the founder of BLT Inc. (a book club for young black males) and an advisor at Positive Outlook Inc., a mentor program. Anthony is a native of South Bend. He attended Washington High School, and Jackson State University. He and his wife, Rachel Douglas, have been married for 22 years and have two children, Anthony II and Paige Morgan. They are members of Faith Baptist Church.

Mr. Douglas spoke of growing up in a west side home where St. Vincent de Paul was called on for help. He recounted the problems his family experienced due to his mother's health problems. He was visibly emotional about his experiences and had difficulty continuing at times. He noted that society members were always willing to help and that they always came with a smile and encouraging words. Everyone in attendance was very moved by his words and gave him a standing ovation when he finished.

View Legacy Dinner photos

View Legacy Dinner video

Anthony Douglas, Vice President of Key Bank and a former client of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.