MENARD FAMILY FOUNDATION , BARBARA J . MENARD BISHOP MAHER AWARD
LADIES GUILD FATHER JOE CARROLL AWARD
The Ladies Guild is a non-denominational service organization whose mission is to assist in the work of Father Joe ’ s Villages . It is an all-volunteer group of 200 women who raise funds dedicated solely to benefit the children at Father Joe ’ s Villages . From hosting birthday parties and Christmas shopping for the children in the Therapeutic Childcare Center , to baking Christmas cookies for residents , to providing Halloween costumes , the Ladies Guild members volunteer 14,000 hours annually of their time to help those struggling with homelessness .
Since their inception , they have raised over $ 575,000 to Father Joe ’ s Villages .
The Bishop Maher Award is presented to honorees who , like the late San Diego Bishop Leo T . Maher , put the needs of the poor first . Through his leadership , Bishop Maher helped mobilize assistance for neighbors experiencing homelessness in San Diego . The Menard Family Foundation continues that legacy with outreach in the areas of education , medical assistance and research , animal conservation and animal therapy , the arts and music , and especially to non-profit organizations serving those in need .
The Menard Family Foundation was initiated to continue the philanthropy of Barbara ’ s parents , Bernard P . and Mary K . Menard . Both of them were raised during the great depression , and both of them served in the Army in the Second World War . “ I believe they had a great compassion for the needs of those less fortunate . My father and mother understood Father Joe ’ s Villages ’ commitment to helping our neighbors in need and they gave generously to Father Joe ’ s Villages and other organizations .”
Barbara works tirelessly to continue their work and make an impact everyday .
The Ladies Guild is the recipient of the Father Joe Carroll Award . This award recognizes individuals whose longstanding commitment to the mission of Father Joe ’ s Villages on behalf of those who are experiencing homelessness is truly exemplary and has helped make the agency what it is today . After all , there ’ s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer .
FATHER JOE ’ S VILLAGES LADIES GUILD CELEBRATES THEIR 40 TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR !
APRIL 2023 | GBSAN . COM 19