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Annual Humanitarian Dinner Raised $1.8 Million

The fundraiser supported Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens while honoring retired leadership.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Philanthropy

A vast, empty neoclassical ballroom with fluted stone columns and polished floors, illuminated by warm pendant lighting.
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens raised $1.8 million at its annual Bishop's Humanitarian Award Dinner in New York City, honoring the career of former leader Msgr. Alfred LoPinto. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Bishop's Humanitarian Award Dinner drew 750 guests to Cipriani Wall Street, successfully raising $1.8 million for local services. The event recognized former CEO Msgr. Alfred LoPinto for his extensive career.

Why it matters

The funds provide essential resources for Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens to maintain operations in senior housing, mental health counseling, and food pantry programs. The gala also served as a milestone to celebrate the transition of organizational leadership.

The gala raised $1.8 million through the support of 750 attendees. Msgr. Alfred LoPinto concluded his 13-year tenure as president and CEO this year following 60 years of involvement with the organization.

The players

Msgr. Alfred LoPinto

He is the former president and CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens who served for 13 years before retiring.

Father Patrick Keating

He currently serves as the president and CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens after succeeding Msgr. Alfred LoPinto.

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens

This organization provides a range of social services including senior housing, mental health care, and food support to residents in the boroughs.

Greystone Inc.

This company is a corporate recipient of the Bishop's Humanitarian Award for its contributions to the organization.

Brian Long

He was the recipient of the Ubi Caritas Award presented during the gala.

The details

The evening honored Msgr. Alfred LoPinto with the Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Service Award following his June 30, 2026 retirement. Additional recognitions included the Bishop's Humanitarian Award for corporate partners and the Ubi Caritas Award for individual contribution.

Timeline

  1. Msgr. LoPinto began his involvement with the organization in 1966.

  2. Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan served as CCBQ executive director from 1968 to 1979.

  3. Msgr. Alfred LoPinto retired as president and CEO on June 30, 2026.

  4. The Bishop's Humanitarian Award Dinner took place on September 24, 2026.

Market Landscape

This fundraising success ensures the continued stability of the Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens' food pantry network against rising operational costs. The event highlights a trend of reliance on high-profile gala support to bridge gaps in essential human service funding.

Local residents relying on the organization for mental health counseling and food assistance will see sustained service continuity thanks to the funds raised. Donors and attendees contributed to the operational budget that keeps these community resources accessible across the boroughs.

The takeaway

Large-scale charity events remain a critical mechanism for funding essential social infrastructure in urban areas. Donors looking to support the community can track the impact of such fundraisers through the organization's published annual performance reports.

Further reading

For more information on local charitable initiatives, visit Philanthropy.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tablet.

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