By Alexia Beatriz Fodere - The Archdiocese of Miami
Archbishop Thomas Wenski and Katie Blanco Bourdeau, director of development for the Archdiocese of Miami, greet supporters during the 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. More than 450 guests attended the sold-out event, which raised nearly $300,000 for Archdiocesan ministries.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski addresses guests during the Archdiocese of Miami’s 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. The sold-out event raised nearly $300,000 to support Archdiocesan ministries serving the poor and vulnerable throughout South Florida.
Katie Blanco Bourdeau, director of development for the Archdiocese of Miami, walks ahead of Archbishop Thomas Wenski as he greets guests during the Archdiocese of Miami's 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. More than 450 supporters attended the sold-out event, which raised nearly $300,000 to support Archdiocesan ministries serving the poor and vulnerable throughout South Florida.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski greets a guest during the Archdiocese of Miami’s 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. The sold-out event welcomed more than 450 supporters and raised nearly $300,000 to benefit Archdiocesan ministries serving the poor and vulnerable throughout South Florida.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski visits with guests during the Archdiocese of Miami’s 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. The sold-out event brought together more than 450 benefactors and supporters, raising nearly $300,000 for Archdiocesan ministries serving the poor and vulnerable throughout South Florida.
Guests raise a toast with Archbishop Thomas Wenski during the Archdiocese of Miami’s 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. The sold-out event brought together more than 450 benefactors and supporters, raising nearly $300,000 to benefit Archdiocesan ministries serving the poor and vulnerable throughout South Florida.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski visits with guests during the Archdiocese of Miami’s 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. The sold-out event celebrated 15 years of generosity while raising nearly $300,000 to support Archdiocesan ministries serving the poor and vulnerable throughout South Florida.
Father Julio De Jesús, pastor of St. John XXIII Parish in Miramar, takes a selfie with Archbishop Thomas Wenski and another priest during the Archdiocese of Miami's 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. The sold-out event raised nearly $300,000 to support Archdiocesan ministries serving the poor and vulnerable throughout South Florida.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski visits with guests during the Archdiocese of Miami's 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. The sold-out event brought together more than 450 benefactors, parish leaders and supporters, raising nearly $300,000 to support Archdiocesan ministries serving the poor and vulnerable throughout South Florida.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski, second from left, poses with guests during the Archdiocese of Miami's 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. The sold-out event raised nearly $300,000 to support Archdiocesan ministries serving the poor and vulnerable throughout South Florida.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski poses with guests during the Archdiocese of Miami's 15th annual Cheers to Charity fundraiser at Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach, April 28, 2026. The sold-out event welcomed more than 450 supporters and raised nearly $300,000 to benefit Archdiocesan ministries serving the poor and vulnerable throughout South Florida.
Luisa Black, of St. Thomas the Apostle, and Fr. Luis Largaespada, of St. Hugh, attend the Archdiocese of Miami’s 15th annual “Cheers to Charity” luncheon at Joe’s Stone Crab on April 28, 2026. The sold-out event, attended by more than 450 guests, raised more than $300,000 to support the charitable works of the archdiocese, benefiting those most in need across South Florida.
(Center) Sister Elizabeth Worley and SJ Chancellor of ADOM Sr. Rosalie Nagy attend the Archdiocese of Miami’s 15th annual “Cheers to Charity” luncheon at Joe’s Stone Crab on April 28, 2026. The sold-out event, attended by more than 450 guests, raised more than $300,000 to support the charitable works of the archdiocese, benefiting those most in need across South Florida.
Photography: Alexia Fodere
More than 450 supporters filled Joe's Stone Crab as the Archdiocese of Miami celebrated the 15th anniversary of its “Cheers to Charity” fundraiser, raising nearly $300,000 to support ministries serving the poor and vulnerable across South Florida.
The annual event, held at the iconic Miami Beach restaurant on April 28, sold out in just two days and brought together longtime benefactors, Catholic school leaders, parish supporters and newcomers drawn by the fundraiser’s reputation for fellowship, philanthropy and faith.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski thanked attendees for their continued support of the Archdiocese’s charitable mission and emphasized that proceeds from the evening would go toward areas of greatest need.
“Cheers to Charity’ has raised nearly $300,000 for the Archdiocese of Miami’s many ministries thanks to the generosity of our community,” Archbishop Wenski said.
During the evening, Archbishop Wenski led attendees in prayer, thanking God for the community gathered together and for the opportunity to support ministries that serve others throughout South Florida.
The event also served as a reunion of sorts for many Catholic schools, families and benefactors who have supported the fundraiser for years. Guests shared conversations over dinner while reconnecting with clergy, friends and fellow supporters of the Archdiocese.
Schools and families that have sponsored “Cheers to Charity” over the years were recognized for their ongoing partnership and commitment to the Church’s mission.
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy President Sister Carmen Teresa Fernandez said she has attended the fundraiser for the past several years, often alongside benefactors who support the school.
“Our benefactors support us financially, but also with their time and talents,” Sister Fernandez said. “It’s a way for us to show our appreciation.”
She added that she continues to be impressed by the event’s growth and organization each year.
“A lot of hard work goes into planning an event like this,” Sister Fernandez said. “What amazes me is the attention to detail in every aspect of it.”
Photographer: Alexia Fodere
Guests gather for the Archdiocese of Miami’s 15th annual “Cheers to Charity” luncheon at Joe’s Stone Crab on April 28, 2026. The sold-out event, attended by more than 450 guests, raised more than 0,000 to support the charitable works of the archdiocese, benefiting those most in need across South Florida.
For Katie Blanco Bourdeau, director of development for the Archdiocese of Miami, the evening reflected the Catholic community’s commitment to putting faith into action.
“What I love most about ‘Cheers to Charity’ at Joe’s Stone Crab is seeing people live out what it means to be Catholic by giving their time and financial resources to help those in need throughout our Archdiocese,” Bourdeau said.
She noted that the fundraiser not only helps provide immediate assistance to families and individuals, but also supports long-term ministries and programs aimed at breaking cycles of poverty.
“We live in a world where people want instant relief. While we provide that when necessary, we also want to educate and equip our parishioners and communities with the tools they need to build a better future,” Bourdeau said.
Because the fundraiser supports the Archdiocese’s general fund, proceeds can be directed to ministries and charitable programs where needs are greatest, including outreach efforts serving families and vulnerable communities throughout South Florida.
Archdiocesan leaders said the continued success of “Cheers to Charity” reflects the strong commitment of Miami’s Catholic community to supporting the Church’s mission.
“It is rewarding to see so many people come out year after year to support the mission of the Church,” Bourdeau said. “That generosity continues to make a real difference in the lives of so many people.”
