PHOENIX (May 4. 2010) — The Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted and more than 200 guests attended the annual awards dinner of Catholic Charities Community Services on April 22 at the Moon Valley Country Club. The organization honored six individuals for their outstanding service to the community and those in need.

Bishop Olmsted applauded the organization's recognition of those at the parish level doing God's work.

"Each year, we are honored by Bishop Olmsted's presence as we honor those individuals who are committed to improving the lives of our community's most vulnerable," said Tom Egan, division director for Catholic Charities Community Services."Our award winners are often overlooked because they are in the trenches, reaching out at the most direct level to those in need."

Award winners include Sisters Thomas Fullem, IBVM and Sister Lavern Fullem, IBVM; John L. Gray, Jr.; Laure Niehaus; and Nanci and Nick Petra.

The annual awards dinner is organized by the Catholic Charities Greater-Phoenix Advisory Board and has been recognizing good works for 13 years. CBS 5's Chris Coraggio served as emcee.