CARNIVALE! Even the word conjures up fun and festive images. That spirit was in great supply on May 6 at Xavier High School in New York City. The second annual Cabrini Carnivale hosted over one hundred members of the Cabrini family in a fun-filled afternoon celebration. Cabrini Immigrant Services Director Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC arranged the invitations and provided transportation for many of the attendees.

Carnival games, foosball, face painting and activities for toddlers assured that there was something fun for everyone. Pizza, chicken, popcorn, candy and great music made for a wonderful family experience. Thanks to generous sponsors and raffle ticket buyers, the event also generated nearly $17,000 to benefit the Cabrini Mission Foundation and organizations such Cabrini Immigrant Services.

Cabrini Immigrant Services opened its doors on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in September of 1999, and serves a diverse population working primarily with Chinese and Hispanic immigrants. It offers legal counseling, classes in English, food pantry distribution, assistance with housing problems, and healthcare referrals and assistance.

This festive family experience would not have been possible without the hardworking and dedicated Cabrini family volunteers. A special thanks to the young ladies of Mother Cabrini High School and Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC. I would also like to thank the other Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Srs. Bernadette Anello, Arlene Van Dusen, Archangel Turco, Maria Concepcion Vallecillo and Catherine Garry, as well as Cabrini Lay Missionary, Adela Jarquin-Soza, who gave their support. We are also deeply appreciative of the generous hospitality of Xavier High School. I would also like to thank the Cabrini Mission Foundation Board members who provided sponsorships, purchased and sold raffle tickets and who gave generously of their time.

Plans are already underway to make next year’s event even bigger and better. I hope you can join us!

William Bell
President and CEO,
Cabrini Mission Foundation