28th Annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2017 – 5 to 10 PM
Location:

Hyatt Regency Princeton, 102 Carnegie Drive, Princeton, NJ


Sponsored by:

Wow, what a wonderful night! Thanks to our guests, sponsors, supporters and volunteers who helped make it possible. Congratulations again to all of the Guardian Angel Dinner Dance honorees! Additional photos to follow. Save the date for the 29th annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance to be held September 22, 2018.

The Guardian Angel Dinner Dance is a salute to some very special people who have positively impacted Catholic Charities’ ability to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable. This celebration is our signature fundraiser raising much needed funds to support the 100,000 people served annually, regardless of religious affiliation.

“It is the dedication of our honorees, sponsors, and supporters that makes what we do possible. The Guardian Angel Dinner Dance is not only a celebration of these generous individuals, it is a testament to their devotion to our mission of promoting recovery, strengthening families, and reducing poverty,” said Marlene Laó-Collins, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton. “Proceeds from this event directly fund the services we provide in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties, and every thoughtful donation, no matter the size, supports the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

This year’s honorees include:

  • Sister Rosemary E. Jeffries R.S.M., Ph.D

    Richard J. Hughes, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Humanitarian Award

  • Mary Ann Saville

    Light of Hope Award for Burlington County

  • Daniel L. Haggerty

    Light of Hope Award for Mercer County

  • Mary Lou Oliva

    Light of Hope Award for Monmouth County

  • John M. Tesoro

    Light of Hope Award for Ocean County

  • Amboy Bank

    Corporate Citizen of the Year

  • Lauren Cieloscik

    Client Achievement Award

For more information on attending the Guardian Angel Dinner Dance, contact Charissa Buskirk (Development Events Coordinator) at: 609-394-5181 x1159 or [email protected]

Sister Rosemary E. Jeffries R.S.M., Ph.D

Richard J. Hughes, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Humanitarian Award

Sister Rosemary, born and raised in Ocean City, entered the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy in 1967. She is widely recognized for her dedication to advancing the common good and is currently serving as Executive Director of the All-Africa Conference: Sister to Sister. Prior to this ministry, Sister Rosemary served as President of Georgian Court College, now University. She is the recipient of numerous awards and author of a number of articles on religious life and service of the church. Formerly a member of the Board of Trustees, Sister Rosemary continues to champion the mission of Catholic Charities.

Mary Ann Saville

Light of Hope Award, Burlington County

Mary Ann is a dedicated volunteer of Catholic Charities, serving on the Guardian Angel Dinner Dance Committee. She currently serves on the Burlington County Board and has provided numerous presentations on Catholic Charities services to community and civic groups. Mary Ann is the co-founder of Occupational Safety Services, Inc., providing workplace safety training, monitoring, and policies for employers. She works with schools and a professional theater as a teacher, acting coach, and choreographer stage manager. She is an active parishioner of St. Ann’s Church, serving as parish council president, choir member and Family Day event organizer. She is most passionate about leading a prison ministry team.

Daniel L. Haggerty

Light of Hope Award, Mercer County

Dan is a long-time, passionate supporter of Catholic Charities. Professionally, he is an attorney, now “Of Counsel” at the law firm of Stark & Stark, having been a shareholder of the firm for over 30 years. He has provided pro bono legal services to various religious, civic and nonprofit organizations and served on a number of nonprofit boards and commissions. He has assisted religious and other nonprofit organizations in real estate development and transactional matters. Dan and his wife reside in Lawrenceville and are proud parents to a daughter and three sons. They are active members of the Church of Saint Ann where Dan is a lector, a Eucharistic minister and member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Mary Lou Oliva

Light of Hope Award, Monmouth County

Mary Lou became involved with Catholic Charities in 1993 when she and her husband joined St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish and witnessed the quality services Catholic Charities’ staff provided parishioners. Since then, she has been a steadfast supporter. In addition to Catholic Charities, Mary Lou supports Sisters Academy, raising funds for students from disadvantaged families. Recently, Mary Lou was invested into The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. This honor was bestowed on Mary Lou by Cardinals Dolan and O’Brien at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Membership is conferred upon Catholics of exemplary faith and moral conduct who actively support their parish.

John M. Tesoro

Light of Hope Award, Ocean County

John joined the Ocean County Board of Catholic Charities in 2013, soon after retiring as a Partner with KPMG. He serves on the Board of Trustees and chairs the Finance Committee. John and his wife, Nancy, are parishioners at St. James Church in Red Bank, as well as St. Francis of Assisi Church in Long Beach Township, where John is a lector. John was actively involved in establishing the Lunch Break Program at St. Leo the Great Parish and in the Challenged Youth Sports Program in Monmouth County. John and Nancy are proud parents of three children and five grandchildren. 

Amboy Bank

Corporate Citizen of the Year

Amboy Bank has a long history of supporting charitable organizations through their Foundation, deeply committed to supporting local efforts that enhance the quality of life of those who live and work in the banks’ communities. The bank has been a longtime financial supporter and community partner of Catholic Charities. Their employees have always considered community involvement to be essential, as several of the bank employees sit on various volunteer Boards and committees within Catholic Charities. The award will be accepted on behalf of Amboy Bank by its Chief Financial Officer and Catholic Charities Board of Trustees member, Stanley Koreyva.

Lauren Cieloscik

Client Achievement Award

Lauren is a smart, capable, hardworking mother of four, who courageously faced something that affects one in three women: domestic violence. As part of her healing, Lauren chose to attend groups at Catholic Charities Providence House Domestic Violence Services. Feeling compelled to give back, Lauren was instrumental in the creation of the STOP Committee (Survivors, Testimonials, Outreach and Prevention) which advocates for change, raises awareness and mentors other survivors on their journeys. Lauren has been involved with the Social Policy Committee as well as the Consumer Advocacy Panel where she has been able to advocate for homelessness, affordable housing, immigration, economic stability, substance abuse, mental health services, prison reform, etc.

2017 Sponsors (to date)


2017 Dinner Dance Committee

  • Thomas and Judi Keefe (Co-Chairs)
  • Anthony Persichilli
  • Cindy Berger
  • David Toner
  • Dolores Kelley
  • Elaine Molen
  • John Costello
  • John Flanagan
  • John Tesoro
  • Maria Tramo
  • Mary Ann Saville
  • Mary Lou Oliva
  • Peter Haas
  • Wally Loza
  • William P. Isele, Esq

We are always looking for volunteers to help plan this important event. For more information about how you may be able to help, contact Charissa Buskirk (Development Events Coordinator) at: 609-394-5181 x1159 or [email protected]



For details and sponsorship information contact Charissa Buskirk (Development Events Coordinator) at: 609-394-5181 x1159 or [email protected]

Need Help? Call 1-800-360-7711