HOMEPAGE for this issue: February 23, 2011 Download PDF Version

Catholic Charities brings back popular Irish Coffee luncheon

By Julie Filby

Catholic Charities Irish Coffee, an event that’s been celebrated for four decades, will be held on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, in Cherry Hills Village.

“The Catholic Charities Irish Coffee dates back about 40 years and involves a very special group of people,” said Catholic Charities president Jonathan Reyes.

“It’s an event that manages to both serve a good cause and offer a great deal of fun.”

The open-house style gathering, which is open to the public, will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the home of Mary and Kevin NcNicholas, a couple who has been involved with the tradition for more than 20 years. It was not held last year due to staff transitions at Catholic Charities.

“It’s so fun that we are doing this (Irish Coffee) again,” said co-chair Mary McNicholas. “The house will be green from ‘head to toe,’ including green lights in the ‘Emerald Forest’ and a fountain.”

The occasion brings together supporters of Catholic Charities, the charitable arm of the Denver Archdiocese serving more than 90,000 needy men, women and children each year, for an afternoon of community and fellowship.

This year’s event will feature entertainment by champion Irish step dancers from Celtic Steps Denver Dance Studio: Eimear Toal, a native of Ireland; and Katja Behren and Blaine Donovan.

“We were really lucky to get these dancers,” said McNicholas.

The menu, catered by the couple’s Continental Divine catering company, will include corned beef and cabbage sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, green beer and Irish coffee.

“I thank the McNicholases for opening their home for this one-of-a-kind event, and I’m honored to be a part of the longstanding tradition,” said Reyes, who will attend for the first time since being named president of Catholic Charities in June 2009. “I’m deeply grateful to those who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to Catholic Charities.

“It’s because of such generous donations of time and support, that we are able to serve our neighbors in need,” he said.

Catholic Charities Irish Coffee with be held at “McNicholas Emerald Isle” at 4150 S. University Blvd. in Englewood. For more information or to RSVP, contact Cahleen Hegarty, director of major gifts at Catholic Charities at 303-742-0823 Ext. 2120, or e-mail chegarty@ccdenver.org.

While there is no cost to attend, any freewill donations collected will support the Father Ed Judy House, a temporary shelter that helps mothers with young children find housing and rebuild their lives.