FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christopher Brancato, Catholic Guardian Services
Date: November 5, 2025
Leaders in Faith and Service Honored at Catholic Guardian Services’ 40th Annual Child of Peace Awards
New York, NY — Catholic Guardian Services (CGS) celebrated a milestone evening on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom, gathering more than 400 guests for the 40th Annual Child of Peace Awards Celebration. The event honored leaders whose compassion, service, and faith embody CGS’s mission to protect life, uphold dignity, and offer hope to New York’s most vulnerable children and families.
Guided by the evening’s theme — Justice, Compassion, and Love — the celebration paid tribute to four distinguished recognitions:
Child of Peace Award: Lauren & Rich Harding — for exemplary leadership in business and philanthropy and steadfast commitment to helping children and families thrive.
Humanitarian Award: Kathleen Cudahy — Board Member, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, recognized for advancing a network that provides help and creates hope for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers in need.
Servant of the People Award: Rev. Msgr. Kevin Sullivan — longtime Catholic Guardian Services board member and recently retired Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, honored for his decades of leadership and service. Monsignor Sullivan now serves as Executive Director Emeritus and continues his ministry at Our Saviour Church near Grand Central.
Carlo Acutis Youth Compassion Award: Skye and Summer Nelson, and Charlotte and Thomas Gray — honored for their extraordinary leadership through The Giving Table, a youth-led initiative to fight hunger and bring hope to children and families across New York City.
Special guests included Rev. James Martin, S.J., and Miss America, Cassie Donegan. The evening featured heartfelt stories from families whose lives have been transformed through Catholic Guardian’s programs and moving mission videos highlighting the organization’s work in foster care, developmental disability services, youth empowerment, family support, and behavioral health.
Emceed by Giselle Delgado, a proud alumna of Catholic Guardian’s foster care programs, the program’s emotional heart came when she reflected on her journey and the support she found through the Mentored Internship, YES, and Journey programs.
“Like many who have experienced foster care, my path wasn’t easy,” Delgado shared. “There were moments of doubt, but also moments of grace—when people here believed in me and helped me see my own potential. Thanks to Catholic Guardian Services and everyone who supports this organization, I’ve been empowered with the tools and confidence to keep walking in my greatness.”
Delgado’s words underscored the transformative power of belief and opportunity—hallmarks of the Catholic Guardian mission.
“Our honorees remind us of the extraordinary good that happens when compassion meets commitment,” said Chris Brancato, Chief Development Officer. “This evening’s success will translate directly into comfort, stability, and opportunity for the children and families we serve. We are profoundly grateful to our dedicated staff, our mission-driven Board of Trustees, and the generous donors whose faith and partnership make this work possible.”
The 40th Annual Child of Peace Awards Celebration raised more than $1 million and counting, including over $300,000 pledged during the live paddle raise—funds that will directly support Catholic Guardian Services’ vital programs across the city.
For more information about this event or to support Catholic Guardian Services, please visit www.catholicguardian.org/childofpeace2025 or contact Chris Brancato, Chief Development Officer, at christopherbrancato@catholicguardian.org or 929-989-8959.
About Catholic Guardian Services
Catholic Guardian Services provides comprehensive services that protect children, empower families, and support adults with developmental disabilities through programs including foster care and adoption support, behavioral health, youth empowerment, family enrichment, and community-based services. Catholic Guardian Services is proud to be part of the Catholic Charities Federation, working together to provide help and create hope for New Yorkers in need.
Catholic Guardian Services Media Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 11, 2025
Catholic Guardian Services Announces Honorees for 40th Annual Child of Peace Awards Celebration
New York, NY — Catholic Guardian Services is proud to announce the distinguished honorees for its 40th Annual Child of Peace Awards Celebration, to be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. This milestone evening will celebrate four decades of honoring leaders and partners who have made a profound difference in the lives of children, families, and communities throughout New York.
The Child of Peace Award will be presented to Rich and Lauren Harding in recognition of their leadership in business, philanthropy, and steadfast commitment to helping vulnerable children and families thrive. Named with deep intention, the Child of Peace Award reflects Catholic Guardian’s mission to protect life, uphold dignity, and offer hope. It honors individuals whose values, leadership, and contributions embody the organization’s commitment to protecting, nurturing, and empowering the most vulnerable among us.
The Humanitarian Award will be presented to Kathleen Cudahy, a Board Member of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. Catholic Guardian Services is proud to be part of the Catholic Charities Federation — a network of 90 agencies providing help and creating hope for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers in need. Kathleen’s leadership and service have advanced this mission, strengthening the support network for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
The Servant of the People Award will be presented to Rev. Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, a longtime Catholic Guardian Services board member and current Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. As he retires from his role after more than 25 years of service, Msgr. Sullivan will assume the position of Executive Director Emeritus and continue his ministry at Our Saviour Church near Grand Central.
“Our honorees embody the values that define Catholic Guardian Services — compassion, leadership, and an unshakable commitment to meeting great need with hope,” said Chris Brancato, Chief Development Officer. “Your support of this event will help ensure that children and families facing tremendous challenges have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Child of Peace Awards Celebration, it is an honor to recognize these outstanding individuals who inspire hope and create lasting change.”
The evening will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and moving stories from those whose lives have been transformed through the programs and services of Catholic Guardian Services. Funds raised will support the organization’s vital work in foster care, developmental disability services, youth empowerment, family support, and behavioral health.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Ziegfeld Ballroom, New York City
For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, or more information, please visit www.catholicguardian.org/childofpeace2025 or contact or contact Chris Brancato, Chief Development Officer, at christopherbrancato@catholicguardian.org or 929-989-8959.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 16, 2025
Deloitte Volunteers Make a Lasting Impact with Catholic Guardian Services on Impact Day
New York, NY — Catholic Guardian Services proudly partnered with Deloitte on June 6th for their annual Impact Day, a nationwide day of service that mobilizes thousands of Deloitte professionals to give back to their communities. Volunteers brought their time, heart, and dedication to two Catholic Guardian programs—leaving behind not only beautified spaces, but a deep sense of connection and care.
At Springfield Gardens Residence, a home that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through 24/7 support, care, and dignity, Deloitte volunteers transformed the outdoor space by planting vibrant flowers and shrubs. The result: a brighter, more welcoming environment for residents to enjoy.
“We are incredibly grateful to Deloitte and Catholic Charities New York for making this day possible,” said Chris Brancato, Chief Development Officer at Catholic Guardian Services. “This kind of partnership reminds us of the power of service, and the real difference that thoughtful collaboration can make.”
Deloitte’s annual Impact Day encourages staff to support causes that resonate with their values. At Catholic Guardian Services, the alignment was clear—building communities of compassion, dignity, and hope.
Catholic Guardian Services supports more than 3,000 individuals and 1,400 families across New York City through programs that include foster care, developmental disability services, domestic violence support, and mental health care. Impact Day is a reflection of how public-private partnerships can strengthen and uplift those in need.
To learn more about Catholic Guardian Services, Harmony Hub, programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or corporate partnership opportunities, visit www.catholicguardian.org or contact Chris Brancato, Chief Development Officer, at christopherbrancato@catholicguardian.org or 929-989-8959.
Later this season, the Hub will debut its First Annual Prom Drive, transforming its space into an evening boutique for local teens. The event will offer a wide selection of donated prom and graduation outfits—dresses, suits, ties, accessories—ensuring every young person can step into their milestone moment with confidence and pride.
Harmony Hub is part of a broader network of Family Enrichment Centers across New York City, focused on uplifting families through preventive services, parenting support, resource navigation, and community-led programming. Every event, offering, and design element at the Hub reflects direct community input, making it not just a service center, but a shared home.
“Our goal is to create a space where every person feels seen, valued, and empowered,” said Melissa Mejias, Director of Harmony Hub. “Spring is the perfect time to deepen our connection with families and open new doors for them to grow, thrive, and lead.”
As a Family Enrichment Center, Harmony Hub operates under the umbrella of Catholic Guardian Services’ Family Support Services. Every day, Catholic Guardian Services supports more than 3,000 individuals and 1,400 families—including children in foster care, youth seeking asylum, families navigating crisis, and individuals living with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. Known for its essential programs—foster care services, domestic violence support, parenting resources, and preventive services—Catholic Guardian extends its mission through Harmony Hub, a welcoming, collaborative space where families can connect, grow, and thrive.
To learn more about Harmony Hub, upcoming events, or ways to get involved, visit catholicguardian.org or contact Chris Brancato, Chief Development Officer, at christopherbrancato@catholicguardian.org or 929-989-8959.
Spring Celebrations and Community Connections Bloom at Harmony Hub
Published: May 14, 2025
Bronx, NY — Since its grand opening in early 2025, Harmony Hub— a Family Enrichment Center (FEC) in the Fordham Heights|University Heights community—has become a vibrant gathering space in the heart of Fordham|University Heights.
Created for the community, by the community, Harmony Hub offers free programs that strengthen families, build trust, and promote well-being.
This spring, Harmony Hub continues its mission with seasonal events that celebrate and support local residents. In partnership with the 46th Precinct, the Hub recently hosted a Mother’s Day Brunch to honor mothers and caregivers with food, community, and self care activities.
Erika Diaz, Community Liaison; Samantha Ruiz, Family Advocate; and Melissa Mejias, Director of Harmony Hub.