Co-founders Honored by Bishop Barnes
By Carlos Gonzalez

Gloria Gomez & Claudia Castorena

   On March 6, 2004, Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino, presented Claudia Castorena and Gloria Gomez, co-founders of Marthaís Village & Kitchen, the "Amar es Entregarse" award.

   At the presentation, Bishop Barnes said, ìThe honorees have demonstrated a level of dedication and service to the church and the community that is an example of my motto, Amar es Entregarse, Love is the total giving of oneself."

   The awards were given at the fifth annual Bishopís Dinner hosted at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs, Calif. Among the other awardees were Anton Meier, Academy Award winner Jane Wyman and, posthumously, Most Reverend Dennis O'Neal.

   Among those honoring Gloria and Claudia at the dinner were long-time friends and Village benefactors, Tom and Rita Martin. The delightful evening included music by Pat Rizzo and his orchestra along with accompanist Mike Costley.