Sylvania Franciscans Select 2016 Franciscan Award Recipients

The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio have selected Fred Brower, president and CEO of Trinity Health System in Steubenville, Ohio, Peggy Rabideau, former director of Instructional Media Services for Sylvania schools, and Dee Resnick, former director of human resources for Heartland Healthcare Services to receive the 2016 Franciscan Awards at their annual Gala on September 24, 2016.

Brower, who has lead Trinity Health since 1996 and Rabideau, who now spends time as a volunteer in All Good Things, the Franciscan art and gift shop, and Rosary Care Center, the skilled nursing facility at the Motherhouse, will both receive the St. Clare Award.  Resnick, who also volunteers in All Good Things and Alverno Studio, where she helps make ceramic artwork, will receive the St. Francis Award.  Recipients of these awards are selected for their unique and exemplary contributions to society and modeling Franciscan values in their everyday lives.

Mr. Brower, Ms. Rabideau and Ms. Resnick will be honored at the Sylvania Franciscan Centennial Gala to be held Saturday, September 24, 2016, at the Franciscan Center on the Motherhouse grounds of the Sisters of St. Francis and the campus of Lourdes University in Sylvania.  The event is an annual fundraiser and includes a gourmet dinner, dance band and silent auction with items that range from original art to Notre Dame and Red Wing tickets for the sports minded. 

The evening begins with Mass in Queen of Peace Chapel at 5 p.m., followed by the Gala Reception with presentation of the St. Francis and St. Clare Awards at the Franciscan Center.  Sylvania Mayor Craig Stough and Mrs. Barbara Stough are the Honorary Chairs for this year’s Gala.

The Gala is held to celebrate the many ways the Sisters of St. Francis live their mission of “joyful servanthood among all people.”  All money raised will be used to continue the ministries of the Sisters.  This year, the Sisters of St. Francis are celebrating 100 years of mission and ministry, so this Gala is extra special.  Tickets are $100, to honor the Centennial, and can be purchased at www.sistersosf.org or by calling 419-824-3625 or 3624.  Table sponsorships are also available for $1,250.