The Portiuncula

Newsletter of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of Our Lady of the Angels

Vol.XXII, No.1

Valley Friaries Have Successful Fundraisers

Br. Dan at the Fiesta 1999
Br. Christopher Kearney impressed the crowd with his energetic Hawaiian dancing at this year�s luau held August 28 at San Lorenzo Friary and Prayer Center. The luau, which features both a silent and live auction, is held annually to help raise money to keep San Lorenzo going. The other brothers added to the success of the event, too. Br. Joe Slominski auctioned off a special dinner with the friars at San Lorenzo, and Br. Fintan Whelan offered up one of his autographed footballs from the San Francisco 49ers. Br. Peter Banks, who began the luau when he was guardian at San Lorenzo, was present for this year�s festivities also. Br. Chris said that this year�s luau was one of the most successful ever, raising over $25,000.00. Monies raised will be used to help to pay for a new roof for the chapel and also the kitchen, as well as other much needed maintenance and repairs.

Br. Robert (right) and Br. Beany Baby
Mission Santa Inés also held its big annual fundraiser in August, the parish Fiesta. Attendance at this year�s fiesta was the biggest in years. People gathered to enjoy the food and games, and the children enjoyed some of the new attractions this year, which included laser tag and a giant slide. The Fiesta was begun in the 1970s by Br. Roger Anderson to raise funds for mission restoration. Br. Robert Barbato, mission pastor, said that this year�s numbers are not yet in, but he thinks the monies raised will be about $40,000.00. As part of the fundraising, someone paid $1000.00 to "dunk the monk," putting Br. Robert into the dunk tank several times. Fortunately, it was a sunny day.

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