Bishop’s Dinner guests ‘Rock Around the Clock’ with Fabulous ‘50s themed celebration

It was a night of joy, entertainment, fellowship, gratitude and charity at the 23rd Annual Bishop’s Dinner on May 25 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert. As tradition, the Bishop’s Dinner included a lovely three-course meal, entertainment, dancing for guests and the presentation of the esteemed Amar Es Entregarse Award. The Amar Es Entregarse Award honor was established by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes to recognize those who lived out his Episcopal Motto, which means “Love is the total giving of oneself.” At this year’s dinner, two local non-profits, Building Resilient Communities (BRC) and Training Occupational Development Educating Communities (TODEC), were honored with the award. BRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Debra Williams, and TODEC’s Executive Director Luz Gallegos accepted the award on their organization’s behalf and thanked Bishop Alberto Rojas for the great honor in their own special video. This year’s theme was “The Fabulous ‘50s” and the proceeds from the dinner benefit the diocesan seminarian program. During the dinner, Bishop Rojas took a moment to thank all of his guests for attending and their dedication to help provide for the diocesan seminarians on their journey to the priesthood. Through the guests’ support, they ensure that the diocese will have enough priests in the future to meet the sacramental and spiritual needs of the Diocese of San Bernardino.