by Analisa Herndon
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — This past January, Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas celebrated a remarkable milestone: 50 years of giving through its annual Snow Ball to help those most in need.
In honor of the golden anniversary, the popular gala raised over $5 million, with 91 cents of every dollar directly supporting the agency’s 30-plus programs that stabilize and strengthen individuals and families of all faiths through help, hope and hospitality.
That legacy continues as the 51st annual Snow Ball on Jan. 18, 2025, kicks off the next five decades of impact by introducing another milestone for the event: Two couples — Chris and Angie Dierks and Doug and Kara Ciocca — will serve as presidents, leading the fundraising efforts together.
“We were overwhelmed by the goodwill flowing through the banquet hall at last year’s Snow Ball that we were motivated to engage more with the event,” said Doug Ciocca.
Both couples have been actively engaged with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas — and Snow Ball — for nearly 20 years. Chris Dierks’ parents, Bernie and Sue, were a founding Snow Ball couple, which made a lasting impression on Chris and Angie.
“My parents loved Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and attending Snow Ball. I have memories of them attending from when I was a child, when they would get all dressed up,” said Chris Dierks. “My parents attended the first 40 Snow Balls and they both set a wonderful example that we continue today.”
The Cioccas, meanwhile, helped establish the tradition of parish parties, which have become annual celebrations in the lead-up to the January festivities. Each fall, parish party gatherings raise awareness and funds.
“We wanted to help people understand Catholic Charities’ mission, so we invited some of our best friends from our home parish, Church of the Nativity [in Leawood], to gather together to learn a little bit more about the undertaking of the organization,” said Kara Ciocca.
Both Doug and Chris have also served on Catholic Charities’ board of directors, giving them insight into the impact of Snow Ball’s funding.
“The funding from Snow Ball is so important to invest in the programs that help so many in our community. The anticipation of the amount raised [each year] validates the ability of the organization to help so many people through their various programming,” said Chris Dierks.
The couples, along with their children, volunteer regularly within Catholic Charities’ programs, including sorting clothes at TurnStyles Thrift Store, helping distribute food at the agency’s annual Kids Summer Food program and handing out Thanksgiving meals at Hope Distribution Center.
They have also visited residents at Shalom House Men’s Transitional Living Program and volunteered at New Roots’ training farm, Juniper Gardens, both in Kansas City, Kansas. The couples credit their deeper understanding of Catholic Charities’ work to the agency’s bus tour, which introduces people to the nonprofit’s variety of programs and services.
“It has been incredible to learn how the money raised from Snow Ball is used by Catholic Charities,” said Angie Dierks. “I have learned so much about the organization and how great the need is.”
Last fiscal year, Catholic Charities served over 70,000 individuals, an increase of nearly 20% from the previous year. The need continues to grow each year and Snow Ball funds are critical to the agency making an impact. All donations raised through Snow Ball, known as patron gifts, are unrestricted, allowing Catholic Charities to support the areas of greatest need within the agency.
“One of the most memorable Snow Ball events we participated in was in 2001, the year donations exceeded one million dollars for the very first time. It was such a monumental milestone and the excitement in the room was infectious,” said Doug Ciocca. “It has been amazing to watch the donations continue to ‘snowball’ since that night into over five times that once unimaginable level.”
This year, the Dierks and Ciocca families are eager to encourage more people to get involved, especially young adults and individuals from all faith backgrounds, to ensure Snow Ball’s legacy continues to advance.
“Everyone should come to Snow Ball to see the impact for themselves and who this event serves. The hope stories and program information that will be shared throughout the night will definitely inspire,” said Angie Dierks.
Visit the website at: snowballgala.org and help families break the cycle of poverty once and for all. Purchase individual tickets or a table, or make a meaningful gift. Funds raised will help Catholic Charities move those they serve from a place of needing help to one of having hope.
