Mercy Connections honors Sara Byers at Annual May Luncheon

Mercy Connections honors Sara Byers at Annual May Luncheon 

BURLINGTON, Vermont –Mercy Connections thanks the more than 500 community members who attended the annual May Luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont.  The room was full of generous sponsors and supporters.

Each year the Board of Directors selects a person who exemplifies mercy values and the example of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.  This year, the board honored Sara Byers, President and Co-owner of Leonardo’s Pizza, with the Catherine McAuley award for living and modeling the values of mercy and lifelong service to others.

Sara graciously thanked those in the room and honored the work of Mercy Connections, “Because none of us can do it alone, we all need shoulders to stand on, and Mercy Connections is a shoulder for many – one of hope, kindness and love.  They are providing the type of support that I have been very fortunate to have – the support that changes lives.”

Attendees heard testimonies from participants across various Mercy Connections programs. Ranee Grover, Azhar Majeed, and Katie Zuanich, all shared stories about the influence of Mercy Connections on their lives and careers.

The event included the announcement of the Dolly Fleming Fund, in honor of current Executive Director, Dolly Fleming, as she retires from a 45 year career in human services. We invite you to join us in honoring her legacy with a generous gift to The Dolly Fleming Fund, in support of radical hospitality and results.

Mercy Connections is an educational values-driven non-profit organization living the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy with an enduring concern for women.  By compassionately nurturing self-sufficiency through education, mentoring, entrepreneurship and community, people are empowered to make significant life changes.

 

Photo credit:  Karen Pike Photography