GREENSBURG — Ronald Olszewski attended the first Communities of Salt and Light Awards Dinner 12 years ago not really knowing what to expect.

Impressed, he joined the Catholic Charities board of trustees the following year. For the past nine years, he has been co-chairman of the annual awards dinner that raises money for those who need it most in the four-county area of the Diocese of Greensburg.

Dorothy Zello, co-chairwoman of the event, started volunteering at the first dinner and watched it grow beyond her expectations. She served as chairwoman for one year and knows firsthand that there are so many people whom it benefits.

"I’ve taken phone calls and know there are a lot of people in need. I would like to see more people attend so we can increase monies to help those in need. Our primary goal is to make people aware of the wonderful work Catholic Charities does," said Zello, a parishioner of St. Vincent Basilica Parish, Latrobe.

The two are leading the group of volunteers who are planning this year’s event, set for April 22 at Stratigos Banquet Centre, North Huntingdon.

The honorees are Beth and Ray Hanley for philanthropy, James Froelicher for humanitarianism and Bishop Emeritus Anthony G. Bosco, who will receive a lifetime achievement award.

Olszewski, who was honored at the dinner in 2004 for his philanthropic work, also strives to help those in need and increase awareness of Catholic Charities.

"There are more and more people who need help today. Every dollar donated goes to help those who need it," said Olszewski, president of Franklin Foods Inc., an arm of Franklin Shop ‘N Save in Kittanning.

Olszewski knows a high attendance for this year’s dinner is vital because of hard economic times.

This fiscal year’s state budget impasse caused Catholic Charities to experience a shortfall in their ability to provide assistance because so many were in need of help with rent, utility bills, food and heating sources, according to Judy Modecki, director of coordinated services and development for Catholic Charities.

Demand for assistance is up 30 percent, and distribution of emergency food boxes has risen 45 percent, she said.

Olszewski said all the money from the dinner goes back to those who desperately need assistance. Help is available regardless of their faith denominations.

"Some people hear the word ‘Catholic’ with Catholic Charities and think that is all it applies to. That is not the case. Catholic Charities is here to help everyone," said Olszewski, who said he is amazed every year at those honored for their humanitarian and philanthropic works in the diocese.

Olszewski, a parishioner of St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Kittanning, said he is pleased that Bishop Bosco, who spearheaded the dinner, will be honored.

"Because of Bishop Bosco, I got involved. The dinner is a nice way for people to enjoy a nice evening and to make a donation, where every penny goes back to help those who need it. And it’s a great way to promote Catholic Charities for all the good it does," said Olszewski, who recently was re-elected to the Catholic Charities board of trustees.

He proudly said a committee of a half dozen has grown to 15 hard-working volunteers.

"They work so hard to make the dinner a success," he said.

Zello is also in awe of the committee and its efforts. Auctions on some 65 themed baskets are held, and work begins months in advance.

Zello said she is always impressed with the honorees, that being the case again this year, particularly with Bishop Bosco, who leads a Bible study she attends.

Dinner attendees return every year, she said. And most have never met the nominees.

"They know the end result will help the needy," Zello said.