Bishop Murry to speak at banquet

Staff report

Youngstown

Bishop George V. Murry of the Catholic Diocese of Youngs-town will deliver the keynote address at a banquet and fundraiser sponsored by the community- organizing group ACTION.

The Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing Our Neighborhoods’ ninth annual banquet is scheduled for April 7 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church social hall, 343 Via Mount Carmel. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m, with the banquet at 6.

Bishop Murry’s address will focus on the theme “Building Healthy Families, Transforming the Community through Action.”

Consistent with the theme, ACTION will honor individuals and institutions who have demonstrated a strong commitment to positive change:

Annie Gillam, 1st Ward councilwoman, will receive ACTION’s Public Service Award for her leadership in the local campaign to curb urban blight.

Herb Washington, local entrepreneur, will receive the Community Investment Award for economic opportunities that have been developed through his “Fast Track” program.

William Mullane, educator/activist, will receive the Community Empowerment Award for his work in the area of community engagement.

Institutions to be recognized are:

St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Canfield, which will receive the Humanitarian Award for its relief efforts directed at victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti.

The Raymond John Wean Foundation will receive ACTION’s most prestigious honor, the Frances Kerpsack Community Service Award, in recognition of the organization’s commitment to neighborhood transformation.

Tickets are $40 a person or $300 for a table of eight. The annual event is ACTION’s sole community fundraiser.

For more information, call Minister Rose Carter, executive director, at the ACTION office, 330-782-7433.