Monday, Sept. 28th, 2026— Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens raised $1.8 million at its annual Bishop’s Humanitarian Dinner on Thursday, September 24th, 2026, at Cipriani Wall Street. Over 750 donors and supporters attended the Bishop’s Humanitarian Award Dinner to support Catholic Charities’ 160-plus programs and services, and to honor individuals who embody the Catholic Charities mission of helping those most vulnerable.
The funds raised from the dinner benefit Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens’ programs and services, which provide affordable housing, sponsor older adult centers and food pantries, and offer counseling and other support services to individuals with physical and mental challenges.
This year’s Bishop’s Humanitarian Dinner recognized outstanding individuals and organizations for their commitment to compassion and service. Honorees included Paul Michels, Esq., of Cullen & Dykman LLP; Turner Construction Company; Greystone Inc.; Reverend Monsignor Alfred LoPinto of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens; and Brian Long of Long and DeLosa Construction, along with eight Catholic Charities employees marking 30 years of service.
This year, The Bishop’s Humanitarian Awards were presented to Paul Michels, Esq., Turner Construction Company, and Greystone Inc.
From the left: Bishop Robert J. Brennan; Brian Long, Key Principal of Long and DeLosa Construction; Bert Rahm, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Turner Construction Company; Paul Michels, Esq.; Steve Rosenberg, Founder and CEO of Greystone Inc.; and Father Patrick J. Keating, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens President and CEO. (Photo credit: Jose Reyes Photography)
Paul Michels, Esq., retired partner of Cullen & Dykman, LLP, received the Humanitarian Award in recognition for his longstanding service to the Diocese of Brooklyn and his continued commitment to supporting those in need.
Turner Construction Company is international construction services company that is responsible for major projects across the New York metropolitan area. Bert Rahm, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Turner Construction Company, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Rahm has been a valuable member at Turner for 35 years and is dedicated to community service and corporate responsibility.
Greystone, Inc., a Commercial Real Estate Finance Company, is a steadfast supporter of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens with a strong commitment to strengthening communities through affordable housing. Steve Rosenberg, Greystone’s Founder and CEO, accepted the Bishop’s Humanitarian Award on behalf of the company.
The Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Service Award was presented to Reverend Monsignor Alfred LoPinto, retired Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens President and CEO. For 50 years, Msgr. LoPinto worked with Catholic Charities in various capacities and became Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens President and CEO in 2014. Msgr. LoPinto has always been dedicated to advancing social justice and building stronger communities through faith and compassion. Honoring him with the Service Award, recognizes his visionary leadership, lifelong commitment to serving those in need, and profound impact on Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens. This award celebrates his legacy as he concludes a remarkable career devoted to uplifting others.
In recognition of Msgr. LoPinto’s service to the community, New York City Council member Lincoln Restler presented him with a proclamation at the dinner.
From the left: Reverend Monsignor Alfred LoPinto and Steve Rosenberg, Founder and CEO of Greystone Inc. (Photo credit: Jose Reyes Photography)
In recognition of his distinguished support of human services, The Ubi Caritas Award was given to Brian Long, Key Principal and co-founder of Long and DeLosa Construction. With his leadership, the Brooklyn-based company is known for quality work and a strong commitment to the local community. His strong connection to the values of compassion and community are central to Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, making him a notable recipient of the Ubi Caritas Award.
Bishop Robert J. Brennan, Chair of the Bishop’s Humanitarian Dinner and Father Patrick J. Keating, Co-Chair of the dinner and Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens President and CEO, presented the awards, assisted by Monsignor Robert Romano.
To display the incredible work of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, two employees and one client of the agency shared their story with attendees. Former client and current Intake Supervisor for the Mobility Mentoring Program Martin Sosa, participated in Catholic Charities’ Young Adult Internship Program where he received employment guidance, developed work skills and made connections. He now has a full-time job and is advancing his education in college. Oluwatoyin (Toyin) Afolayan, Behavioral Health Center Peer Counselor, struggled with her mental health and found hope which she uses to help others in similar situations heal. Bishop Rene A. Valero Senior Residence resident Glenn Rosa shared his love and appreciation for his affordable apartment and the amazing community he found there.
From the left: Bishop Robert J. Brennan, Martin Sosa, Oluwatoyin (Toyin) Afolayan, Glenn Rosa, and Father Patrick J. Keating. (Photo credit: Jose Reyes Photography)
Additionally, eight Catholic Charities employees were honored with the John J. Farrell Award for 30 years of service. Catholic Charities thanks Rita Antonsanti, Halina Engler, Hurguens Jasmin, Rosalva Medina, Jacek Niedzwiedz, Ida Nieves, Hermine Pelta, and George Stathoudakis for their dedication to the agency.
Attendees enjoyed an elegant evening that included a gourmet dinner, signature cocktails, and live entertainment.
For more information about Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, visit www.ccbq.org.
In the News:
The Tablet: Bishop’s Humanitarian Dinner Raises $1.8M for Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens