‘Swing’ fundraiser to aid Catholic Charities

From its perch on the lower South Hill, the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist has long been the dominant structure to grace the Spokane skyline.

The historic building, after all, isn’t just the home of a parish and the center of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, it’s also the site of numerous concerts and a gathering spot for members of the community.

This weekend, St. John’s will be the host for “Swing in the Cathedral,” a fund-raiser for Spokane’s Catholic Charities, a nonprofit that serves thousands of low-income and vulnerable people in Eastern Washington regardless of religious, social or economic background.

Like its other fundraisers, money from Friday night’s event will benefit Catholic Charities’ 15 programs that help more than 50,000 people every year.

“This ‘Ecumenical Swing Moment’ provides a rare opportunity for everyone to come together in a breathtaking setting to have a great time recognizing and supporting a charity that though ‘Catholic’ in name, lives by the motto ‘Need not Creed,’ ” said Richard W. Relyea of the St. John’s Cathedral Outreach Committee.

This is the fourth time that the cathedral has hosted the Catholic Charities fundraiser.

In recent years, fundraisers at the cathedral have benefited a variety of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center and the Family Assistance Center for area Army National Guard families.

Many who receive aid from St. Anne’s Children and Family Center, St. Margaret’s Shelter, the House of Charity and other Catholic Charities programs are not Catholic.

Its numerous supporters also include people who are not members of the Catholic Church.

“I’m a big fan of Catholic Charities – I think they do unbelievable work in our community,” said Angi Shamblin, a member of Life Center Foursquare Church who has supported Catholic Charities through donations and by attending the “Swing in the Cathedral” event.

“I really feel like it’s important for non-Catholics to understand the depth of support that they provide.

“Catholic Charities is about helping all people.”