Nine residents of central Kentucky were recently honored as winners of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lexington’s inaugural “Sister Fran Moore” Awards.

To be honored are Elizabeth ‘Biz’ and Catesby Clay of Annunciation Parish, Maura and Clyde Graven of Pax Christi Parish, Catherine and Sal Nalli, Joann and Matt Gandolfo, all members of the Cathedral of Christ the King and Cobie Cashman. Mrs. Cashman, an ardent supporter of Catholic Charities’ adoption program, died in 2007 and was a member of Holy Spirit Parish. Her daughter, Mathilda Young, will accept the award in her memory.

Their gifts have helped the residents of central and eastern Kentucky to improve their quality of life, said Catholic Charities Director Ruslyn Case Compton. “These exceptional individuals understand that we are called to be ‘doers of the word, and not hearers only,’” Case-Compton said. “We are pleased to be able to honor their support in this way.”

The Sister Fran Moore Award, named for the agency’s longest serving director, allows Catholic Charities to honor generous supporters.