An amazing fundraiser was held on Sunday, August 27, for the families of the victims of last weekend’s tragic accident in which a Lady of Charity and three others lost their lives.
The previous day began with a Mass at 5:00 AM celebrated by Fr. Flavio Pereira Tercero, CM and live-streamed on Facebook by Martha Romero, president of the Norristown LOC association.
The fundraising event followed on Sunday with musicians, karaoke, 2 children’s shows, face painting, raffles, lots of food, and more. All proceeds went to the Andrade Ramirez, Dolores Ramirez, and Estrada Ramirez families. Incredibly, in a huge show of support from the community, over $24,000 was raised at this event. This is a start towards the funds needed to help with the extensive medical and other expenses that the families will be facing.
Several Ladies of Charity from the Mid-Atlantic Region and their Vice President traveled to attend the event, in solidarity with the Norristown Ladies of Charity and the families. The Pittsburgh ladies presented a gift of a beautiful fall quilt, and raffle tickets were sold. The raffle will continue at the LCUSA National Assembly in September.
A local Lady of Charity who is a psychologist came to visit several family members, with the help of an interpreter, to begin grief counseling.
At least one representative of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia also stopped by the fundraiser to show their support. They are encouraging their members to donate as well.
All these examples show what is possible with networking, mobilizing different branches of the Vincentian Family.
See photos and video below.
Click to enlarge photos
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed
rest in peace.
Amen.