44th Annual Gentlemen’s Haberdashery Raises $680,000, Celebrating the Power of God’s Love and Service
The Gentlemen’s Haberdashery, one of Orange County’s longest-running and most celebrated fundraisers, raised $680,000 on Thursday, October 1, at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, CA. To support the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana, CA, nearly 400 community members and philanthropic leaders attended the event, where Orange County’s most prominent executives and leaders took to the runway in a full range of menswear.
“Our annual fundraising luncheon and fashion show is where love becomes action; the celebration honors the generosity of our community and the enduring mission of our center,” said Sister Paula Sawhill, of the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “God’s love has truly touched each of us, and we are grateful for a community that shares in that spirit.”
The Heart of Jesus Retreat Center is owned and operated by the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart to provide religious formation and avenues of faith development for children, youth, adults and families. Guided by the belief that one day with Jesus can make a lifetime of difference, the Center welcomes more than 12,000 attendees annually from local parishes, schools, and more. The facility includes a beautiful and spacious chapel, conference rooms for 10 to 250, a recreation area with basketball and volleyball courts, indoor/outdoor dining, kitchens, a gift shop and parking.
This year's event highlighted the stories of the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart and how each was called to a life of service. Reflecting the theme, Love Does Such Things, the Sisters spoke about how God's love guided them to dedicate their lives to Him and to the community they serve.
"When I came to know who God was, I learned that love doesn't end. God’s love is present. God’s love is always there. My desire is that people would know who God is through the gift of our charism and the gift of the liturgy. If it weren't for all of you, we wouldn't have this place. We wouldn't be able to provide for the children or for the adults. What I see is the gift of selflessness and untiring generosity. That's what love does” said Sister Joan Games, of the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Every attendee helped to support thousands of children and individuals served by the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center. As a gesture of gratitude, the children shared a song of thanks and presented each guest with a handmade ‘Thank You’ card with their promise of prayers, and the children keep their promise.
"The Sisters have built something rare in Orange County, and this community keeps showing up to sustain it. Everything raised during this event becomes retreats, programs, and supports a place where thousands of children and families encounter God's love firsthand. We're grateful to everyone who contributes to the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center,” said Tony Moiso, Honorary Co-Chair of the Gentlemen’s Haberdashery and Chairman of Rancho Mission Viejo.
The event was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors, including:
Heart of Pearl: Laura Khouri and Michael K. Hayde (Western National Group), Melinda & Tony Moiso (Rancho Mission Viejo), and O'Connell Family Foundation Trust (O'Connell Landscape Maintenance & Design).
Hearts of Ruby: Gilbert G. Aguirre Family Trust and Don & Nanette Vodra.
Heart of Emerald: Holt Rock, Regina Hunsaker, Frandy & Jeremy Laster, and Western National Builders.
For more information, please visit: https://gentlemenshaberdashery.com.
ABOUT THE GENTLEMEN’S HABERDASHERY
The Gentlemen’s Haberdashery was conceived in 1978 when the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart asked then-Orange County Supervisor Thomas F. Riley and his wife, Emma Jane, for support in raising funds to expand the Sisters’ Heart of Jesus Retreat Center. Supervisor and Mrs. Riley joined with Rancho Mission Viejo President and CEO Anthony R. Moiso and wife, Melinda, in 1983 to chair this annual event. With the passing of Supervisor Riley (1998) and Mrs. Riley (1999), Tony and Melinda Moiso and George and Eden O’Connell continued the legacy of leadership as the Haberdashery’s co-chairs.
