Papal Fiat Makes Pit Stop at Providence Hospital Gala

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bishop Barry C. Knestout, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, presented a check for $50,000 to Providence Health Foundation at their annual gala on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The donation, which will help support the Pope Francis Emergency Care Center, is a portion of the sale of the two Fiats used by Pope Francis during his visit to Washington, D.C. last year. The Fiats were donated to the Archdiocese of Washington in March by Pope Francis and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Through the generosity of a private donor who wishes to remain anonymous, the second Fiat is being used by the archdiocese via the #DriveWithFrancis initiative to promote the good works, activities and social service programs that aid the local community.

The #DriveWithFrancis initiative was launched earlier this spring and the Providence Hospital gala was one of the first stops in the archdiocese’s ongoing effort. In 2015 Providence Hospital provided almost $20 million in charitable care and services to the greater Washington, D.C. community. #DriveWithFrancis will be used on social media so followers can track future stops for the Fiat.  For more information, visit drivewithfrancis.org.

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The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 95 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.

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Chieko Noguchi
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