September 22, 2010

Regis professor to receive inaugural Fr. Woody Humanitarian Award

By John Gleason

Father Woody’s Haven of Hope will present its inaugural humanitarian award to a tireless advocate for the homeless and promoter of the pastor who the day shelter is named for.

Regis University professor Victoria McCabe will receive the first ever Father Woody’s Humanitarian Award at the shelter’s annual dinner Oct. 21. 
The evening will also include entertainment and a silent auction.

McCabe started Father Woody’s Service Program at Regis. In the program, more than 130 student volunteers spend time weekly serving food to the homeless, visiting the elderly and tutoring Catholic school students.

Melinda Paterson, executive director for Haven of Hope, said that when the board of directors considered recipients for the inaugural award, McCabe was immediately mentioned.

“Her name was the first one everyone on the board thought of,” Paterson told the Denver Catholic Register.  “So many people work on keeping Father Woody’s legacy alive.  But without the organizers to keep things running, you’d run out of momentum.” 

McCabe said she was surprised when she heard the news, saying she is simply one of many who help make things happen.

“Everyone is needed and for me it’s an honor to do the work,” she said.  “In fact, I don’t know how a person could not do it.”

Referring to Father Woody’s leadership as one of example, McCabe said you never found many people who could say “no” to him.

“He was one of those guys who insisted you not only read the Gospel, but get out of the pew and live it on the streets,” she said.

Father Woody’s Haven of Hope—named after Msgr. C.B. Woodrich, who championed the rights of the homeless—serves 800 meals each week to the poor and homeless.  It is the only shelter in the city that provides private showers and laundry service.  Other services include use of phones and mail service, resume building and one-on-one computer classes.  The motto of the shelter, “We are here to serve, not to judge,” is a phrase Father Woody used frequently.

Part of the auction will include the opportunity to bid on the opportunity to view rare baseball memorabilia owned by Marshall Fogel, including game uniforms worn by Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to get their tickets early.

Haven of Hope Dinner will be held 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Sons of Italy hall, 5925 W 32nd Ave., Denver.  Individual tickets are $100. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, call 303-607-0855, Ext. 4.