The award celebrates the unity and identity of Catholic Charities’ Services in the diocese
NEWS RELEASE
April 7, 2026
Contact: Jennifer Lucarelli, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, (330) 744-8451, ext. 316; jlucarelli@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Together with the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, will host its Annual Voice of Hope Dinner on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Dinner service will begin at approximately 6:20 p.m. Reverend William B. Kraynak and Knights of Columbus Council #360 (accepted by Terence Guerriero) will be recognized with Voice of Hope Awards for their dedication, service, and steadfast support of Catholic Charities. You can read more about the honorees and the individuals expected to accept the awards by visiting our website, ccdoy.org
Event attractions for 2026 include a video presentation, entertainment from Backbeat with John Reese, raffles, prizes, dinner and dessert. All proceeds from the Catholic Charities Voice of Hope Dinner support basic needs assistance for individuals and families in all six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown (Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark and Trumbull).
In 2025, Catholic Charities served more than 36,000 people, 90% of whom were living at or below the federal poverty line – just $32,150 for a family of (4) four in 2025.
“The Voice of Hope Dinner is a meaningful evening to reflect on the impact Catholic Charities has in our communities,” says Rachel Hrbolich, Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities. “Every day, we meet individuals and families facing urgent challenges, and our role is to be a steady presence — offering a lifeline in a moment of need and helping them regain stability and hope for the future. This event celebrates those who make that mission possible.”
For complete details or to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.ccdoy.org/voice-of-hope/ .
