Proceeds from the Oct. 14th Italian-themed dinner at Christ Cathedral will go to Catholic Relief Services, which will provide needed resources to the region Garden Grove, Calif., (Oct. 5, 2016) – The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, will lead a national Catholic effort to raise funds and support for victims of the magnitude 6.2 earthquake that struck in and around the town of Amatrice, Italy. This effort will feature a major event held at Christ Cathedral on October 14 from 6 – 9 p.m. that will bring together hundreds of people form the Church, Italian diaspora, and others who seek to aid those suffering half a world away. This effort is particularly important as winter sets in and the many victims of the earthquake are in need of adequate shelter and basic necessities. Leading the earthquake relief effort in partnership with Bishop Kevin Vann is L.A. Archbishop Jose Gomez, as well as other prelates, who are calling on the faithful to attend the fundraiser that will ultimately bring relief to those suffering in and around Amatrice. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Catholic Relief Services, the organization that is providing resources and services to the earthquake-stricken region. “Following the earthquake in Amatrice and after reading the coverage of this natural disaster by acclaimed journalist John Allen, I felt compelled to reach out to John and leaders within the Church and community about holding a national fundraiser to support the victims. I was blessed by the response from Archbishop Gomez and others, and we were able to quickly organize a major fundraising event on October 14 at Christ Cathedral. I personally encourage all to join us and to help us show the Mercy of Christ to the vulnerable in Italy by our faithful participation in this effort,” said Bishop Vann. Journalist and author John Allen and Crux Vatican Correspondent Ines San Martin will be featured at the Earthquake Relief event. Allen will serve as emcee for the evening and San Martin will be speaking on “A view of the quake from Rome.” The evening will include a pasta dinner served with Amatriciana sauce, a sauce that originates from the region of Italy stricken by the quake, and prepared by Anaheim White House Chef and Owner Sir Bruno Serato. Serato’s friend, Maria Elena Infantino, an award-winning international singer, born and raised in Italy, has also volunteered her talent for the event. And Elysabeth Nguyen, a local wine distributor, will be supplying all of the wine. Attendees will be able to purchase a bottle of fine wine with a special label designed just for the Earthquake Relief event. “Everyone that was asked to participate in this special event just stepped up to be a part of the effort,” said Shirl Giacomi, Chancellor of the Diocese of Orange. “There are so many tragedies in our world and sometimes we just feel like we’re alone; that we can’t do much. St. Teresa of Calcutta said, ‘If you can’t feed hundreds, then just feed one.’ Coming together, we can make a difference. We can demonstrate our solidarity by sharing a meal or making an online donation. All of us together will give hope to a people terribly wounded and broken. And that is no small gift,” Giacomi concluded. Tickets are available online through rcbo.staging.wpengine.com/earthquake. Single tickets can be purchased at $50 each and a table of 10 for $450. Donations are also being accepted. Pastoral Center: Communications Department 13280 Chapman Avenue Garden Grove, CA 92840 Office: 714-282-3075         fax: 714-282-302