On the evening of March 14th, we were blessed to have approximately 400 supporters gather at Embassy Suites in Lincoln for our annual Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction. The evening centered on our theme “You Are Not Alone,” highlighting the message that no one is beyond God’s mercy and no one walks alone through the struggles of life. Featured speaker Johnny Ray shared his journey of 33 years of incarceration — a spiritual journey shaped by redemption, prayer, and encounters with people who reminded him he had not been forgotten. Johnny’s journey closely mirrors the mission of our Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA). This program walks alongside incarcerated men and women and those returning to society after prison, believing that restoration and redemption are possible. As Johnny told those gathered, “As Catholics and Christians, we are called not only to visit those in prison, but to walk with them when they come home.”
The evening also included the annual presentation of the Heart of Christ Award. This year, the award was presented to seminarians in the propaedeutic stage, the first year of formation at St. Gregory the Great Seminary. Five of the propaedeutic seminarians volunteer with the CSS Community Street Outreach program in Lincoln. Working alongside CSS Outreach Coordinator Alexis Broulliette, the seminarians talk with people on the streets, listen to their stories, and offer prayer and basic necessities such as gloves, blankets, and hygiene items. Most importantly, they remind those they encounter on the streets that they are not forgotten.
Our 2026 Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction was a successful event on many levels, including in the financial support offered by our generous donors. During the evening, we announced that a generous donor would match all money raised from the event up to $68,000.00. We are blessed to announce that we met that match! In total, through God’s blessings and the generosity of our donors, the 2026 Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction raised over $300,000.00 to support our mission.
“Every year, people come to us fleeing violence, facing hunger or homelessness, navigating complicated immigration systems, and searching for a place to belong,” said CSS Executive Director Katie Patrick. “From everyone at CSS, thank you for your prayers and support, and for helping us show our clients that they are not alone.”
