Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, announced that the 28th annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance will be held Sept. 23 in the Hyatt Regency Princeton.

The dinner dance is a signature fundraiser during which funds are raised to support the 100,000 people who Catholic Charities serves each year, regardless of religious affiliation. The occasion is also the time when the agency recognizes women and men who have impacted Catholic Charities’ ability to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

At the dinner dance, numerous awards are presented including The Richard J. Hughes, Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton Humanitarian Award which is given to an outstanding leader with a commitment to humanitarian causes, is a devoted advocate of Catholic Charities and the betterment of mankind in general. The Light of Hope award honors a person or organization in each of the four counties of the Diocese – Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean – for their support and commitment to the work of Catholic Charities in their community. The Corporate Citizen of the Year Award recognizes a corporation that partners and supports Catholic Charities goals and mission.

A complimentary kick-off reception is scheduled for May 11 at which time those men and women who will receive awards at the dinner dance will be formally introduced. Mercy Sister Rosemary E. Jeffries, president emeritus of Georgian Court University, Lakewood, will receive the Richard J. Hughes, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Humanitarian Award. Light of Hope honorees are: Mary Ann Saville, Burlington County; Daniel L. Haggerty, Mercer County; Mary Lou Oliva, Monmouth County, and John M. Tesoro, Ocean County. Amboy Bank will be honored as Corporate Citizen of the Year.

“It is the dedication of our honorees, sponsors and supporters that makes what we do possible,” said Marlene Lao-Collins, Catholic Charities executive director. “The Guardian Angel Dinner Dance is not only a celebration of these generous individuals, it is a testament to their devotion to our mission of promoting recovery, strengthening families, and reducing poverty. Proceeds from this event directly fund the services we provide in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and  Ocean Counties, and every thoughtful donation, no matter the size, supports the  most vulnerable people in our communities.”

The May 11 reception will be held at the Hyatt Regency, Princeton, from 6 to 8 p.m. Reservations must be made by May 5. Contact Charissa Buskirk at 609-394-5181, ext. 1159 to attend. To attend the Sept. 27 dinner dance or to learn more about sponsorship and program journal opportunities, visit catholiccharitiestrenton.org or contact Buskirk.