The Second Annual Community Recognition Gala fundraiser hosted by St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral Oct. 5 in the Princeton Manner, Hamilton Township, will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a galaxy of do-gooders including community and ministry leaders, philanthropists and a Latin Grammy nominee.

The gala is described by organizers and Msgr. Joseph Roldan, rector of the cathedral, as an opportunity to celebrate and support the more than 130 years of service that the cathedral has provided to the Church community of the Trenton Diocese.

“We are so excited about the cathedral’s Second Annual Community Recognition Gala,” Msgr. Roldan said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and for the cathedral to showcase the great people that year after year have dedicated their time and efforts to the church community.”

The event was created last year to benefit a scholarship fund and the needs of the cathedral while recognizing those who have worked so hard for the church community and the community at large, said Rosa Rosado, gala committee chair.

“We gave our first scholarship this year of $1,000 to a student from the community who will receive the same amount every year for four years,” she said. “It will be very helpful for them. The rest of the funds raised will go toward cathedral operations.”

“A spectacular evening of fun and entertainment has been planned,” said Rosado, noting that event will feature live entertainment by performers well known to Trenton audiences – DJ Salkaorke and Latin Grammy nominee Anthony Colon whose vocalizing on the classic 2008 Edgar Joel CD saw him nominated for the Grammy.

Elevated to iconic status, many Latin music aficionados consider it the greatest salsa recording ever, Rosado said.

Being honored this year are a married couple, two cathedral ministries, two Trenton police officers, a school and Catholic Charities of Trenton, all of whom have contributed greatly to life in the capital city said Rosado.

“All of the honorees are most deserving,” she said. “We are looking forward to honoring them for their outstanding service.”

Including Catholic Charities, this year’s honorees are Justo and Josefa Figueroa – members of the cathedral community who have devoted themselves to the diocesan Marriage Encounter for three decades and the Christina Seix Academy, founded and funded by the philanthropist whose name it bears.

They will receive the Father Armando Community Service Award given in memory of Father Armand Iavarone who founded the first Hispanic Catholic Church in Trenton – Our Lady of Mount Carmel – which merged with the cathedral three decades ago.

Also being honored Sembrando Esperanza (Seeds of Hope) the all volunteer choir which raises their voices in song at all parish events, from retreats, to weddings to Masses will be honored as will the Cathedral Adornment Ministry, also a team of volunteers who assemble and create the marvelous flower arrangements that bedeck the cathedral.

They will receive the “Fe y Obras” (Faith and Service) Award for their dedication for many, many years as servants of the Lord, said Rosado, a lifelong member of the parish who was married there 30 years ago this July.

“This year, we added a special recognition award to be presented to two Trenton police officers who got shot in the line of duty, detectives Edgar Rios and Jim Letts,” Rosado said. “All the honorees are most deserving and we are looking forward to honoring them.”

The gala begins at 6 p.m. with Hors D’oeuvers, followed at 7 p.m. by dinner and the program. Live entertainment will commence at 8 p.m. Tickets are $60. For more information, call 609-396-8447 or email [email protected].