Dedicated to the late Rev. Msgr. Robert E. Freeman, P.A.

12960 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410 • Phone: (361) 241-6566 • Fax: (361) 241-5279 • Email: jcardenas@ark4kids.com
Volume 21, Issue 1, December 2023                                                           Visit our website at www.ark4kids.com

Aim: memorable first Christmas

Dear friends and donors:

As I was thinking about this message, The Ark Gala came to mind because it helps to cover expenses and make improvements. Two other local events benefiting children were being held that day, but they didn’t stop us from continuing with our plans.

The gala was very successful, thanks to God and all of you. Christmas is special in many ways, such as decorating the inside and outside of the shelter’s buildings. We want our kids to participate as much as possible. They can hold ornaments for someone on a ladder arranging the Nativity scene, but it’s risky because ceramic figures can accidentally drop and break. The children sing Christmas carols and make cookies. Before going to bed on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus and maybe Mrs. Claus hand out presents by the Christmas tree. Some of the presents end up in bed. There’s no way to describe those moments.

On Christmas morning, the little ones want to see if Santa visited or is on the grounds. The infants and other residents receive more presents, including new outfits for church. For some, it’ll be their first Christmas so we want it to be memorable. Although they won’t be with their families, photos will show them being surprised by toys made possible with your support. You and your family will be in our Christmas Mass intentions in front of the baby Jesus in the manger. The board members, executive director, employees and volunteers join me in wishing you a very blessed Christmas and a happy new year. Together we always make a difference in a child’s life, especially during the holidays.

The Valero Corpus Christi Refineries Charitable Contributions Committee approves The Ark’s 2023 Valero Benefit for Children $125,000 award. Pictured are Juan Cárdenas, The Ark administrative assistant/director of development (left to right foreground); Sister Milagros Tormo, The Ark board president; Kyle Sharon, Valero Corpus Christi Refineries vice president and general manager; Delma Trejo, The Ark executive director/administrator; Patsy Benchoff, Valero lead community relations specialist; Darcy Schroeder, Valero public affairs manager; and JR Bockerstette, Valero controller (rear).

Dravin Ortiz, 6, poses at his lemonade stand (upper left), pours a drink (lower left) and presents $100 check for The Ark to Sister Milagros Tormo, M.J.M.J., board president (at right).

Offender seen as friend
by sexually abused child

Gala speaker recalls being flattered by attention 

Sexual abuse of a minor can involve a lengthy process, according to child sexual abuse survivor Gwen van de Pas, keynote speaker at The Ark Gala held Sept. 21 at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds. She was a preteen swimmer in Holland when she met the man who became her assistant swim team instructor, caring confidante and sexual abuser. “He made me feel safe,” said Van de Pas. “After a year, things got physical. I never said no. When he went on to abuse me, I let him. I never thought of him as an abuser.” The traumatic experience was included in “Groomed,” a feature-length documentary she directed that lays out the steps perpetrators often take to “groom” victims — target, befriend and prime them — for sexual abuse. Van de Pas was flattered by the abuser’s attention as a child but found it “disgusting” as an adult. “I was so touched by the work that I saw at The Ark. It was incredible to see the work. What I went through as a child is what a lot of children at The Ark go through. What they do matters tremendously.” The gala, normally held annually, had not taken place since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was attended by 510 supporters, and its net profit was more than $130,300. The 2019 gala had 501 attendees and cleared more than $141,000.

The 2023 event opened with a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and background music by Manuela Shull’s piano students. KIII-TV News Anchor Rudy Treviño served as the master of ceremonies. The presentation of colors ceremony was handled by the Naval Health Clinic Color Guard with Ariana Jones singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Councilmember At Large Mike Pusley represented Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo in presenting a proclamation designating Sept. 21 as “The Ark Gala Day” in Corpus Christi. Most Rev. Wm. Michael Mulvey, STL, D.D., Bishop of Corpus Christi, delivered the invocation. Guillermo “Bill” Ibarra was the auctioneer and oversaw the liquor basket raffle. The generosity of everyone who contributed to the gala’s success is deeply appreciated, especially the following sponsors:

Stork: Valero Corpus Christi Refineries.
Dove: H-E-B.
Giraffe: American Steel & Supply Inc., Camacho Waste Services and Camacho Demolition, Diocese of Corpus Christi, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Gignac Architects, The John G. & Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation, LyondellBasell, Members First Credit Union, Michael E. Rektorik, and Valdez & Bristol Industrial Insulation Inc.
Leopard: Children’s Physician Services of South Texas, St. Thomas the Apostle – Apostle Bible Study, Tortilleria Guadalajara, Allison Flooring America, Bourlon Law Firm, Carr Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors, Chick-fil-A Calallen, The Dayton Family, HII – Mission Technologies, Humpal Physical Therapy, Huncho Energy Services L.L.C., IBC Bank, IBC Insurance Agency, June Natural Wellness, KM Premier Real Estate, Knights of Columbus St. Jude Council 11238, Noe Lira M.D., Lone Star TRS LLC, Thelma Lopez-Lira M.D. P.A., In Memory of Jose Carlos Monte, Pepsi-Cola Corpus Christi, Johnny and Christi Perales, Rally Credit Union, Manuela Shull, Silent Angels, The Silvas Family, Walmart #791 – Alice, Walmart #464 – Calallen, Walmart #490 – Flour Bluff, Walmart #5898 – Saratoga, and Weichert Realtors The Place of Houses.

Major donors for specific purposes were PROFIRE Protection Inc., keynote speaker; Danny L. Smart and Dawn Dorsey-Smart (In Memory of Miriam Jeannine Street), Five Star Painting CC, and Jack R. and Kathleen D. Baker, invitations; and Barbara’s Flowers, centerpieces. Many thanks go out to the live auction item donors: Independence Ranch Hunting, two wild hog hunt packages; Michael and Jennifer Brady, stay at Wyndham Resort in Las Vegas or two other resorts; “Sew Gulls” quilting group, “Exploding Heart” double-sided colorful quilt; Window World Coastal Bend, fiberglass entry door with oval glass shape in its center; Dr. Mark A. Dodson (Corpus Validus Clinic), four Emsculpt Neo non-invasive fat reduction and muscle growth body shaping sessions; Dr. Haysam Dawod, two seats at Dallas Cowboys/Washington Commanders Thanksgiving football game; and The Ritz Family, Cowboys gear (tailgating canopy, round outdoor table, chairs, wood bench, flag, snacks and drinks).