By Melissa Williams Schofield
Special to The Catholic Accent
NORTH HUNTINGDON — Beth and Ray Hanley have always attended the Communities of Salt and Light Awards Dinner for Catholic Charities, never dreaming they would one day be honored for their philanthropic efforts to support Catholic education.
To their surprise, the parishioners of St. Agnes Parish in North Huntingdon will be honored at the 12th annual event April 22 at Stratigos Banquet Centre.
A congratulatory letter officially informing them of the honor sat unopened on their kitchen table for two weeks.
The Hanleys said it was like the elephant in the room. They describe themselves as "being under the radar," and neither one wanted to open it.
They don’t feel like they fit into the same category as previous recipients of the award.
"It’s hard to get pushed into the limelight. We can look at it as using it as our pulpit for what we support — Catholic education and the church," Beth said.
The Hanleys, married for 25 years, are proud of their five children’s Catholic education.
Amanda, 22, is a recent graduate of Villanova University near Philadelphia, and Andrew, 20, is a junior there. Sean, 18, is a senior at Greensburg Central Catholic High School, and Sarah, 16, is a sophomore there. Joey, 12, is a sixth-grader at Queen of Angels Catholic School, North Huntingdon.
The four older children are all Queen of Angels graduates.
"The school was an extension of our family. It’s been a win-win situation for us. With a Catholic education, you can educate the mind, but you have to strengthen the soul and the moral fiber of the children. You can’t put a price tag on it," Beth said.
Ray, president of Federated Investors Management Co., Pittsburgh, is a trustee for The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Greensburg and is on the advisory council for the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics and Government at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe.
Federated Foundation is an underwriter for the Salt and Light dinner.
The Hanleys provide philanthropic support to the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, Catholic Charities, Greensburg Central Catholic High School and Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, Ray’s alma mater.
The couple has supported many parish activities. Beth helps with the Scrip fundraising program.
Ray said they are clearly supportive of Catholic education, the clergy, religious and the parish.
He described the Salt and Light dinner as a "nice evening to raise money for a good cause" and encourages people to attend.
Ray said their initial reaction to the award was "there must be many more deserving people in the diocese."
He said they’ve done nothing extraordinary.
Beth simply said the honor "goes to show two can do more than you think you can."
Msgr. V. Paul Fitzmaurice, pastor of St. Agnes Parish, praised the Hanleys for their love for Catholic schools at all levels with stewardship and treasure.
"They are good people and good Catholics who are always willing to help. They have a strong connection to the diocese and what it’s trying to accomplish," Msgr. Fitzmaurice said.
The Hanleys are co-chairpersons of the parish leadership gift phase of the "Today’s Challenge ~ Tomorrow’s Hope" Capital & Endowment Campaign for the Diocese of Greensburg.
Linda Holsopple, principal of Queen of Angels Catholic School, said, "Beth and Ray have always stood by Queen of Angels. They were always on the forefront when help was needed. They never questioned whether they should help.
"They are very selfless people who do not expect to be recognized. They are perfect examples of God working through his servants for the betterment of the faith community."
The award, Holsopple said, "couldn’t have gone to a more wonderful couple."