PATERSON, N.J. — The Board Members of FrancisCare® sponsored their frst fund-raising dinner dance last month for HIV/AIDS orphans being cared for by nuns of the Little Company (LCM) of Mary in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
As of the end of April, $26,000 had been raised for the orphans, according toJ. Patrick Kelly, director of FrancisCare and board member, who served as emcee of the April 24 event.
Honoring the 50th anniversary of Jim’s first cousin’s becoming a LCM Sister (and 38 years of medical-missionary work in Africa), the event was held at the Grand Conservatory of the Brownstone Restaurant, Paterson. More than 100 attended.
Board member Bob Kassai and friend-of-FrancisCare Peter Salerno (both of whom have visited the orphan-care centers with Jim in Zimbabwe) provided a power-point presentation (taken from their hundreds of photos) to attendees. It included their personal reflections on what they experienced, and the incredible care that these (Irish and, now, African-born) nuns provide for children whose parents have died from AIDS.
“Along with other fundraising events, it is hoped that this will continue as an annual event,“ Jim said, adding, “We are pleased that more contributions continue to come in.”