The Catholic Commission of Wayne, Ashland and Medina sponsors an annual gala dinner in which awards are presented to individuals and groups working to promote peace and justice.

This year we are thrilled that the Commission will recognize the organizers and supporters of the annual Meadows Turkey Bowl, which has raised more than $809,000, primarily for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul but also other charitable needs in the region. The “backyard football game” started 26 years ago by brothers Mike and Bill Meadows, who are St. Francis Xavier parishioners, and involves dozens of people who generously give to support those in need.

The game is played in Mike and Connie Meadows’ backyard each Thanksgiving morning, with a hall of fame induction roast and player draft and auction the night before. Each year the event has grown substantially, with the 2015 game raising a whopping $190,000.

In honor of this great effort the Commission will present the Faithful Servant Award to the Meadows Turkey Bowl organizers. The award is presented to the person or organization that exemplifies a servant leadership style, striving to empower others, lives out the Gospel call to care for others, the lost and forgotten, manifests a strong commitment to the issues and principles of Catholic Social Teaching, has integrity, vision and a collaborative spirit, and shows creative efforts to address poverty.

Jeff Campbell, executive director of the Commission, shares that the Meadows family was humbled by the award, and said they would only accept it on behalf of all those who support the effort.

The award will be presented at the 2016 Annual Gala Dinner on Friday, April 22, in the Xavier Room of St. Francis Xavier Parish. Friends are invited and encouraged to reserve tickets (perhaps a table?) for the dinner to honor the award recipients.

Tickets are $30. Tables of 8 may be reserved for $220. The deadline for reservations is Friday, April 15. Please contact Jeff Campbell at 330-263-6176 or jcampbell@ccdocle.org to reserve a table or for more information. Checks may be mailed to Catholic Commission, c/o WAM Gala, P.O. Box 109, Wooster, OH 44691-0109.