If you ever have the opportunity to meet Anne and Jack Dardis, you will often hear the words “very blessed.” It is easy to see why. Both native New Orleanians and lifelong Catholics, they have been married for 56 years, raised 10 children, and spend as much time as possible doting over their 35 grandchildren (with one on the way.)

Anne and Jack acknowledge their good fortune and strong familial bonds would not be possible without a solid foundation rooted in faith. Through their long involvement within the community and shared personal experiences, they are keenly aware that many others are not always as fortunate as they are. This has also made them mindful of the impact of the annual Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal (AHCA), and how its success each year supports the 23 essential programs at Catholic Charities.

The AHCA was named in memory of Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, its founder, as a way of honoring his life’s legacy of service to the poor in our community. The annual volunteer-driven campaign supports the works of Catholic Charities, raising funds for the many challenges facing our community.

In recognition of Archbishop Hannan’s compassion for the impoverished, Anne and Jack have resolved to do their part, stepping up to serve as 2023 AHCA campaign chairs. Anne and Jack see this as an opportunity to share that the story and needs of Catholic Charities cross all boundaries, including faith.

“We are blessed to have this opportunity to serve. A lot of the programs Catholic Charities provides are not exclusive to Catholics. I think that it is important to note it is a community appeal, not a Catholic appeal,” Jack said.

The opportunity to serve as chairs is a full-circle moment for Anne. Not long after launching the campaign (formerly the Archbishop’s Community Appeal) in 1967, Archbishop Hannan asked her father, Harry Charbonnet, to serve as the first chair of the campaign. She just simply hopes she and Jack can help make a difference, much like her father did nearly 60 years ago.

Anne added, “It’s a great opportunity for people to help all of God’s special and needy people and there are so many of them.”