For Immediate Release January 13, 2014

Contact: Patricia Cole pcole@catholiccharitiesusa.org 703-236-6218

Catholic Charities Honors Community Leaders for their Commitment to Promoting Equality, Justice at Annual Keep the Dream Alive Mass & Awards Ceremony Alexandria, Va. Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) and the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington DC honored the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today by recognizing top community leaders for their outstanding contributions to the cause of justice and opportunity for all at the 2014 Keep the Dream Alive Mass & Awards ceremony. CCUSA presented Marcos Legaspi Herrera, former local and national Catholic Charities board member and supporter; Roger Playwin, former CEO, National Council of St. Vincent de Paul; and Ron Laurent, former president of the Board of Trustees at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and former vice chairman of the Board of Trustees at CCUSA, with the 2014 Keep the Dream Alive Award for their outstanding contribution and commitment to working on behalf of the poor and marginalized in our society. CCUSA President, Rev. Larry Snyder, welcomed and thanked the honorees for their dedication to reducing poverty and advancing justice and equality for all people. Our Catholic tradition teaches us that we have a special obligation to consider first the needs of the poor and vulnerable, said Rev. Larry Snyder. The work that you do every day is a shining example of this tradition. The honorees released personal statements prior to receiving their awards. It is an honor to be even considered for this recognition and the privilege of receiving it this year along with Ron and Roger, said Marcos Legaspi Herrera. I consider this an acknowledgement, not of what I have done, but recognition of the good people that compelled me, through their kindness and heart, with the desire to get involved in the various activities in which I have participated. With the staggering growth of poverty I must increase my service in order to fully deserve this wonderful award, said Ron Laurent. If I provide greater service, when my course on earth is finished, maybe, just maybe, the Great Scorekeeper may write after my name, Ya done splendid! When I was informed that I was receiving this award, I was truly surprised, said Roger Playwin. I have to acknowledge my fellow Vincentians in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul who are as worthy of this award as I am perhaps more so. For more than 10 years, I was blessed to work alongside these compassionate, selfless individuals, whose only goal is to help those in need and living in poverty, and I am grateful for their support and inspiration.

The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington also presented their 2014 Faith Does Justice Award to Deacon Al Douglas Turner, director, Office of Black Catholics, Archdiocese of Washington during the Mass. Todays awards are given annually to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and contemporary heroes who keep his dream alive through their work to reduce poverty in America. Previous recipients of the award include USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon; Anthony Williams, former mayor of Washington, D.C., and Rev. William M. Lies, C.S.C., Vice President for Mission Engagement and Church Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. The event took place during the celebration of Mass with the Most Reverend Martin D. Holley, Archdiocese of Washington serving as presider and Monsignor Charles Pope, pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian as homilist. The Mass and awards ceremony held at the Holy ComforterSt. Cyprian Roman Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. For additional information about today's event including pictures and information on the awardees please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org. About Catholic Charities USA Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is leading a national movement to end poverty in America. In communities across the country, Catholic Charities member agencies are helping individuals and families in poverty achieve their full potential. Together we are dedicated to creating a life of opportunity and self-sufficiency for each of the 46 million of our brothers and sisters struggling to make ends meet. CCUSA was founded in 1910 on the campus of Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. as the National Conference of Catholic Charities. For more than 100 years, CCUSA has guided and supported the vast network of Catholic Charities agencies nationwide in a common mission to serve, advocate, and convene. For additional information, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org. ###