ROCKFORD—Attendance numbers were up a bit at this year’s Caritas Luncheon on April 22 at Giovanni’s Restaurant.

The annual event benefits Catholic Charities. This year the preschool kids from St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center came to perform some songs, including a runway parade with umbrellas they had decorated to match the luncheon theme of “Singin’ in the Rain.”

After entertaining the crowd, they were treated to some ice cream as Catholic Charities’ Director Patrick Winn showed slides and gave an update of the many activities, services, plans and hopes for the future of St. Elizabeth Center.

The children left before the luncheon began, but not before Bishop David Malloy made it a point to walk over and thank them in person. He expressed his gratitude to the workers and attendees as well.

“We are the hands, the arms, the presence of Christ Himself as He carries out His mission,” Bishop Malloy said before he pronounced the meal blessing.

A fashion show followed the luncheon, featuring additional youngsters who modeled clothing from Infinitely Sweet and several women who showed off a variety of dresses, slacks and tops from the Dress Barn.

A multi-table silent auction and multiple-prize raffle rounded out the event.