Vermont Catholic Charities Inc.’s June second annual Vermonters Helping Vermonters raised more than $17,000 to support its Emergency Aid program that helps individuals and families who face unexpected crises in their lives and need help with basic needs.

The event at St. Michael’s College in Colchester included food provided by The Old Lantern Inn and Barn, Jasper Hill Farm as well as beer and hard seltzer tastings courtesy of Mill River Brewing, Arctic Summer and Queen City Brewery.  Music was provided by Guitar Chant Trio.

“Each year we receive requests from more and more working families in financial crisis who just can’t make ends meet due to unforeseen crisis, such a temporary illness or broken down vehicle or reduction in work hours,” said Burlington Bishop Christopher Coyne. “This event is so important because 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to Vermont Catholic Charities’ Emergency Aid Program to meet the growing needs of families in financial crisis.”

Mary Beth Pinard, executive director of Vermont Catholic Charities, is proud of the breadth of assistance that Vermont Catholic Charities offers to people in need. “We have no geographical limitations – we help individuals from all 14 [Vermont] counties,” she said. “Guided by our faith, we do what we do because we are Catholic, not because those we serve are Catholic. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we can continue to support the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Businesses and individuals supported the fund-raising effort.

“What is amazing about this event, is that it is Vermonters Helping Vermonters,” Pinard said. “It was a fun-filled evening full of music, friendship and charity.  Kindness was in abundance as we begin the ripple effect of helping Vermonters in need.”

People can donate to the emergency fund by check or online through the Vermont Catholic Charities website: vtcatholiccharities.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/EmergencyAid.