Sunday, Sept. 27, is St. Vincent de Paul Day in Superior. It will be marked with a mayoral proclamation, fundraising walk, silent auction and more on the grounds of Cathedral of Christ the King Church from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is both a celebration of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s 175th anniversary in the U.S. and the Superior conference’s 20th anniversary. It’s a time to thank those who have been faithful supporters and raise awareness of the local need for services.
“The need in this community is great, I mean it is everywhere and it is very compounded by COVID,” said Lynn Brice, president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart of Jesus Conference, based in Superior. “The same issues that are national issues — affordable housing, health care, food security, job security, a liveable wage — all those issues are right here in Superior.”
The faith-based organization receives calls from 1,100 households a year, according to member Lynn Tracy. In the last fiscal year, September 2018 to September 2019, the Superior conference distributed $90,000 to those in need.
“We do help people in all kinds of circumstances, in all kinds of situations in their lives,” Brice said, particularly people experiencing poverty, homelessness and food challenges.
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It starts with a connection.
“We meet people person-to-person, human to human, to listen, to understand what they’re experiencing and then we try to connect them with what resources are out there that they may be eligible for that we know afford long-term stability,” Brice said.
And they address immediate needs. The Superior society provides help with housing, rent and utilities as well as food, clothing, household items and even things like vehicle repair.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul lay ministry is run by volunteers. With no overhead, 95 cents of every $1 go directly to helping people in the community. The Superior conference traditionally holds an annual pancake breakfast fundraiser in the spring, but most of the funds they receive come from unsolicited donations.
“We truly operate by being blessed by the generosity of the people of Superior,” Brice said.
Everyone is invited to take part in the one-mile Friends of the Poor Walk/Run and free cookout, whether they raise donations or not. Bids can be placed on a number of silent auction items, including a signed Green Bay Packers football, coffee basket, game night basket, wine basket featuring wine made by Cathedral rector Fr. Andrew Ricci and quilts. Freewill donations will also be taken during the event.
People are asked to register online if they plan to attend, as participation is limited to ensure social distancing can be met. They should register for the walk, regardless of if they plan to raise funds. Those who attend are asked to wear masks and bring their own lawnchair. Everyone who registers will be entered to win a free door prize.
For more information and directions on how to register, visit the Superior Conference’s Facebook page . Donations can be sent via mail to St. Vincent de Paul, 1416 Cumming Ave., Superior, WI, 54880.
