Event Update

The Father Vincent Welch Memorial Dinner

With hearts full of gratitude, we are excited to share the outstanding results of the 36th Annual Father Vincent Welch Memorial Dinner (36th inning), held on February 8, 2024, at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy Michigan. This year, we continued the cherished tradition of gathering in memory of Father Vincent Welch and marked a monumental achievement in support of education and community service.

Event Highlights

Attendance: Over 400 guests attended the dinner, a testament to the strong community spirit and dedication to the causes close to all of us. Each of you played a crucial role in making the evening not just a dinner but a celebration of collective effort and generosity.

Fundraising Triumph: Together, we raised an impressive sum exceeding $525,000 for Loyola High School and the University of Detroit Mercy. This year’s success has contributed to a remarkable cumulative total of approximately $5 million over the dinner’s 36-year history, a milestone that speaks volumes of our community’s generosity and commitment.

Special Guest: The evening was further highlighted by an inspirational talk from Michigan State’s Head Football Coach, Jonathan Smith. Coach Smith shared insights into his background, underscored the importance of education, and discussed the resilience required to recover from adversity. His message resonated deeply, with all of us.

Heartfelt Appreciation

A Special Thanks to Our Pillars: We extend our deepest gratitude to Father Donald Worthy, who will turn 91 this year, and Lynn Henning. Their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have been pivotal in making this event what it is today. Their contributions go beyond the annual dinner, touching lives and creating a lasting impact.

Your Impact

The success of this year’s Father Vincent Welch Memorial Dinner is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. The funds raised will significantly enhance the educational experience for countless students at Loyola High School and the University of Detroit Mercy, empowering them to pursue their dreams and make a positive difference in the world.

Stay Connected

We invite you to return to this website for upcoming information about the 37th inning and make additional contributions. Let’s continue to celebrate the spirit of generosity and community that made the event a resounding success.

Looking Forward

Inspired by this year’s achievements, we are already looking forward to next year’s dinner with great anticipation. We hope to see you again as we continue to honor Father Welch’s legacy and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Thank You!

Thank you once again for your support, generosity, and for being an integral part of the Father Vincent Welch Memorial Dinner tradition. Together, we are making a lasting impact.