Loretto Friends Luncheon Returns with Aloha!

The 34th Annual Loretto Friends Luncheon fundraiser took place on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at the Montebello Country Club in Quiet Cannon’s Crystal Ballroom. This year’s theme was “Luau 2023.”

The purpose of the fundraiser is to continue to spread the “Joy in the Room” and to raise funds for the Sisters of the Presentation, San Francisco - their ministries and healthcare.  
Guests were dressed in Hawaiian attire and danced to the music of DJ Dyesetta. There were raffle baskets won by guests that included grand prizes valued at $200.00 to $300.00 per basket. Money raffles included a decorated Hawaiian hat of $100.00, a Hawaiian purse of $50.00, and a Hawaiian drinking cup of $25.00. Vendors also joined in the festivities by providing a gift from their tables to be raffled. Special guests included Sister Rita Jovick, Sister Patricia Reinhart, and Sister Catherine Mary King.  A highlight of the luncheon was the invocation and prayer by Sister Rita Jovick, who sang and danced to the theme in prayer - Hawaiian style. The Loretto Friends Committee joined Sister Rita Jovick on stage with the dance prayer. This large group of 220 guests reconnected after COVID and were happy and grateful to see one another after three years. The last luncheon was held in 2019. Many took pictures at the Hawaiian theme backdrop and enjoyed the decorations of leis, Sees candy lollipops, and umbrella hat straws in their water glasses.  (Above): Sisters Rita Jovick,Catherine Mary King, and Pati Reinhart with luncheon attendees.
 
There were two groups of sisters attending: the biological  Hernandez sisters (above left) and the three Sisters of the Presentation. All are welcomed and all had a wonderful time.

Thank you to the Loretto Friends Annual Luncheon Committee members who were willing to volunteer hours of service, and labors of love into the annual luncheon event.

Members include OLLHS alumnae Rosalie Cabrera, Pat Diaz, Yolanda Santillan, JoAnn Sifuentes, Ana/Maritza Leon, Margaret Ochoa, Mary Sanchez, Bertha Flores, and Kathey Valenzuela Sias.

We, the Committee continue to pray for the family of Martha Manriquez, Committee President, Our Lady of Loretto Class of 1974, who passed away on May 1, 2023.

Story by Yolanda Santillan with contributions from Rosalie Cabrera and Pat Diaz.
Photos: Yolanda Santillan, Sister Rita Jovick