Thank you for such a lovely evening!
The 2026 Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Donor Dinner
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, welcomed more than 260 benefactors and friends to the historic O’Shaughnessy Dining Room at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for the annual Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Donor Dinner on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The congregation looks forward to this festive celebration every year. It is when we get to publicly recognize the many people who support us and our ministries. This year did not disappoint!
To communicate to our supporters the importance of their alliance, we themed the evening “Heroes and Heroines.” From the beginning of her ministry in the United States, Mother Theodore and her companions were assisted by individuals who filled in the gaps to provide whatever was needed, from much-needed shelter, transportation, healthcare, and food provisions to barrels of wine (read about this gift in Volume 1 of SP history!).
The early days of the Sisters of Providence are punctuated with people stepping up to offer a helping hand. Just like Saint Mother Theodore Guerin did many years ago, we rely on many Good Samaritans to move our ministries forward.
General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, SP, reiterated the importance of heroes today in her opening remarks at the dinner when she addressed the audience, both in the room and those who tuned in virtually: “You are our quiet champions whose support fuels every act of love, mercy, and justice.” (Sister Dawn also encouraged anyone who might be willing to donate a barrel of wine to just give us a call!)
The Donor Dinner allows the congregation the privilege of recognizing several heroes and heroines for the Sisters of Providence — women and men who have shared their time, talent, testimony, treasure and ties with the congregation bringing acts of love, mercy and justice into the world. We are grateful to the many individuals for their extraordinary contributions.
By clicking on the featured awards below, learn more of our 2026 awardees!
2026 Queen Amelia Award Winner: Patrick Hutchinson
2026 Sarah and Joseph Thralls Award Winner: Robb Farris
2026 Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Companion Award Winners
2026 Rooted in Providence Recognitions
Here are some photographs from the gala.
The evening’s awardees, our program speakers, and the many heroes and heroines who came to Mother Theodore’s aide show us that every gift — large or small — can make a difference when dispensed through the hands of Providence. What happens when you say yes to our invitation to help is remarkable. Thank you for saying, “yes!”
Thank you for always being there to champion our goals. And just like Mr. Byerly and Queen Amelia were for Mother Theodore and our foundresses, you truly are our heroes!
If you missed our “thank you” video from the evening, watch it below!
