FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2006
Media Contact:
Sunny Kim, Caritas of Austin
512-646-1261
skim[at]caritasofaustin.org

CARITAS OF AUSTIN NAMES PATRICIA HAYES AS PENICK AWARD HONOREE

 Nonprofit to Honor Seton EVP at Largest Annual Fundraiser on Nov. 14

(AUSTIN, Texas) - Caritas of Austin will honor Patricia Hayes with the 15^th Annual Harvey Penick Award on November 14, 2006. Each year, Caritas recognizes an outstanding community leader who exemplifies "excellence in the game of life." The dinner is the social service agency’s largest fundraiser and significantly supports its ability to help families in need.

“Pat (Hayes) is remarkable for her enduring commitment to this community,” said Beth Atherton, executive director of Caritas. “She is well-regarded for her outstanding vision and leadership. She is truly an inspiration to all who know her.”

Hayes has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Seton Healthcare Network since 1998 and served as president of St. Edward’s University from 1984 to 1998. Hayes, who recently announced her retirement from Seton Healthcare Network, oversees eight Central Texas hospitals, three clinics for low-income families and AISD’s school nursing program. At St. Edward’s University, Hayes was the first woman and second lay person to lead the liberal arts institution.

“Pat (Hayes) is known for her visionary leadership in the community and her humble spirit,” said Ed McHorse, chair of Caritas’ Community Advisory Board. “We are pleased that she is allowing us to honor her with this prestigious award event and look forward to a great evening in November.”

The Harvey Penick Award for Excellence in the Game of Life is awarded to a prominent leader whose life emulates that of its first recipient, Harvey Penick. A legendary golf coach, teacher and mentor to Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite and many others, Penick was renowned for his extraordinary dedication, discipline and humility.

Past honorees of the Penick Award include Harvey Penick, Cliff Gustafson, Jake Pickle, Barbara Jordan, Lady Bird Johnson, George Christian, Bob Bullock, Edith and Darrell Royal, Lowell H. Lebermann, Jr., Ben Crenshaw, Angela and Mort Topfer, Jody Conradt, Larry Gatlin and Michael and Susan Dell.

For 42 years, Caritas has assisted with basic needs such as food, rent and utilities and helped clients learn the skills they need to gain self-reliance. This year, Caritas will serve over 20,000 adults and children as Travis County’s largest source of non-governmental assistance. “Caritas” is from the Latin word for love, and in this spirit, anyone with a legitimate need is eligible to receive help.

###