News From CCF-LA | December 16, 2021 |
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Giving is an unconditional act, just ask God! |
By Kathy Anderson
President and Executive Director
At Christmas we celebrate the unconditional love of our God in sending us his only son as the perfect gift. What does it take to be an unconditional giver? It begins with giving from the heart, from the first fruits of our labors to those who least expect it. Giving is not always about the need of the person receiving the gift but also about the need of the giver to make a difference.
We give for many reasons—to support our local church, our alumni associations, a favorite charity, for feeding and housing the poor and needy, to help veterans, for tax benefits, to commemorate a loved one, to name a few. When making an unconditional gift, whatever is given—be it monetary, volunteering, or prayer—there are two who benefit just about equally. One is the person who receives the benefit of the gift and the other is the giver, whose great joy is doing something extraordinary to help someone they may not even know.
As you shop for that perfect gift, think about the person that might not be on your list and do something unexpected. Make the ultimate unconditional gift of yourself to others, and share more joyfully in the perfect Christmas gift of Jesus.
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Service to Others Soothes the Soul
The work the Good Shepherd Shelter staff engages in daily is not easy. We hear about the abuse our mothers and children endured prior to coming here, and we see how they struggle to overcome their trauma and heal. Nevertheless, if you ask any staff member, they will tell you that the rewards far outweigh the difficult circumstances. It is nothing short of a miracle to witness a child who enters the shelter withdrawn, shy and non-verbal transform into a vibrant and happy child or a timid, wounded mother learn to advocate for herself and her children.
Giving our families the services they need to move on from their trauma into safe, happy and non-violent lives is a gift from God, and we never take that for granted.
I must admit, however, some days are harder than other days. Sometimes it is necessary to give until my tank runs low. On those days, all I need to do is to go into our staff kitchen at lunchtime, look out the window where I see the children on the playground, and hear their laughter. That is all I need to fill my tank and get back to work with gratitude in my heart for the blessing of being able to serve our families and bear witness to their recovery.
— Deana Payne, Program Director
Good Shepherd Shelter
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Year-End Board Report
Heralds Ground-breaking Year
The fifth and final 2021 CCF-LA Board of Directors meeting took place on December 1, where I provided a review of the year’s most significant accomplishments, including exceeding $500 million in assets under management, the July 6 reopening of the offices, the completion of a comprehensive three-year strategic plan, the formation of our family office, two new board members—John Smet and Raul Salinas—and the recent additions of Andrew O’Boyle, Matthew Hansen, Matt Moreno, and Maggie Byrne to the strongest leadership team in our history.
Since August, Board meetings have been held in person with a call-in feature, and we have been pleased to have so many of our members back in our board room.
The meeting concluded with the Board approving CCF-LA's 2022 budget and goals.
— William Wardlaw
Chairman of the Board
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From the Desk of the CFO
November was a difficult month for stocks as all sectors in the equity markets (with the exception of information technology and consumer discretionary) returned negative results.
As for the fixed-income markets, the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index rose 0.3%, and the flattening trend of the US yield curve continued as concerns about the new virus strain weighed on the growth outlook.
The Balanced Pool results (net of fees) for November were -2.47%, which brought the return for the first eleven months of 2021 to +9.28%. Our Intermediate Fund had a monthly return of -0.33% and +6.33% for the year through November 30, 2021.
As always, our client service team is here to answer your questions. Please reach out to us anytime.
— Andrew O'Boyle
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
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Catholic Education Foundation celebrates its donors!
The CEF Donor Appreciation Mass on Dec. 5 at the Cathedral was followed by a wonderful gathering of the most-active supporters. Pictured: Long-time donor-relations coordinator Lorna Saenz (left) with Kathy Anderson Read more
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Cathedral High School’s Scholarship Dinner is a tradition with high impact!
On Dec. 3, Cathedral High held its 24th Scholarship Dinner to help provide tuition support for 90 percent of the young men who enter this inner-city school. Pictured from left: CCF-LA staff Barbara, Jodie, and Bernadette, Read more.
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Catholic Charities’ Christmas Gala recognizes dedicated donors and vital programs
L.A.-area Catholics (Including, from left: CCF-LA staff Matt, Maggie, Timithie, and Matthew) dusted off their tuxedos and evening gowns on Dec. 3 to celebrate Christmas and the good works of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles. Read more.
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Sending out the CALL for a renewal of faith
Archbishop José H. Gomez hosted the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders’ annual Christmas party on Dec. 4, where Executive Director Rosie Chinea Shawver presented CALL’s mission for 2022—the evangelization of the gospel to Latino youth! Pictured from left: Matt Hansen, Archbishop Gomez, and Kathy Anderson Read more.
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The Archdiocese Spreads Christmas Cheer
On Dec. 8, the Archbishop held the Archdiocese's annual Christmas party at the Cathedral, with Mass celebrated by Fr. Brian Nunes (left) and dinner after. A highlight of the evening was the announcement of Catherine Fraser (middle) as new Client Development Director for the Archdiocese. Pictured right: CCF-LA General Counsel Matthew Hansen. Read more.
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The Catholic Community Foundation of Los Angeles empowers charitable individuals and organizations across cultures and generations through professional philanthropy management solutions that allow clients to develop and sustain their philanthropy in support of Catholic values. |
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