Forty years of shelter, meals, compassion and community were worth celebrating — and this year, Catholic Charities did it with a totally rad twist.
On Saturday, September 12, friends and supporters of Catholic Charities gathered at Ironworks in Denver for Catholic Charities Sam’s Totally Rad Supper, the annual celebration supporting Catholic Charities Samaritan House. With an ’80s-inspired theme, the evening brought guests together for dinner, live music, an auction and recognition of people whose service continues to make a difference for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
This year’s Sam’s Supper carried special significance: Samaritan House is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Archbishop James R. Golka joined guests for the celebration, while Denver Mayor Mike Johnston shared a special video message expressing his support for Samaritan House and its work in the community.
Since opening its doors in Denver in 1986, Samaritan House has grown from one shelter into five locations across Colorado, serving women, families, veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness. Through four decades of change, the heart of the mission has remained the same — providing a safe place to stay while treating every person who walks through the doors with dignity and compassion.
In a message shared with supporters, Catholic Charities President and CEO Darren Walsh reflected on the thousands of people who have made those 40 years possible.
“Forty years of service is not the achievement of one person or one moment; it is the sum of tens of thousands of acts of love, offered faithfully over time,” Darren said.
He thanked the staff, volunteers, benefactors, donors, parishes, partners and friends who have supported Samaritan House throughout its history, helping ensure that a warm meal, safe bed and caring community remain available to neighbors who need them.
Coming Back to Samaritan House With a Song
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came through music.
Rhonda Merrick, a singer-songwriter and former participant at Catholic Charities Samaritan House Fort Collins, returned to share her story through a multi-song performance with her band, Roots La Roux.
For Rhonda, the connection to Samaritan House is personal. Years ago, she experienced homelessness herself and stayed at Samaritan House Fort Collins. During that chapter of her life, she wrote a song called “Catholic Charities Bed.”
On Saturday night, she performed it for the people gathered to support the same mission that had once provided her with a place to sleep.
The song remembers the realities of experiencing homelessness — carrying belongings in a trash bag, spending hours riding a bus to stay warm and looking at houses while dreaming of having one of her own. But woven throughout those memories is gratitude for having somewhere safe to spend the night.
“Thanking God every night for my Catholic Charities bed,” Rhonda sings.
Her performance brought the story of Samaritan House’s 40 years full circle. The anniversary is measured in decades, locations and services, but its impact is ultimately found in the individual people who have walked through its doors and the chapters that came next.
Honoring Those Who Serve
The evening also recognized individuals and groups whose commitment to others reflects the mission of Samaritan House.
Theo Schwartz, founder and executive director of Denver-based nonprofit Big Heart Art, received the 2026 Courteney Saeman Award.
An art educator with more than 20 years of experience, Theo brings opportunities for creative expression to people experiencing homelessness. Through workshops, collaborative murals and installations, she works alongside participants to create art that can foster connection, ownership and pride while transforming shelter spaces into places that feel more welcoming and cared for.
Theo has recently worked with participants across several Catholic Charities locations, including Samaritan House Smith Road, 48th Avenue, Lawrence Street and Holy Rosary.
The 2026 He Comes to Serve Award was presented to the Capuchin Franciscans, Province of Saint Conrad, honoring decades of extraordinary service to Samaritan House and neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Their history is intertwined with Samaritan House itself.
Father Bill Krause, O.F.M. Cap., served as the shelter’s first director and helped establish its ministry of dignity and hope. Father Michael Suchnicki, O.F.M. Cap., later spent 24 years providing spiritual guidance, friendship and comfort to those staying at Samaritan House. That legacy continues today through Capuchins including Brother Christopher and Samaritan House chaplain Father Barnabas Eichor, O.F.M. Cap.
For four decades, the Capuchins have helped shape the spirit of Samaritan House through their commitment to service, presence, humility and human dignity.
A Totally Rad Night for a Lasting Mission
Along with the stories and recognition, guests had plenty of opportunities to join in the fun and support Samaritan House.
The evening included a live auction featuring experiences and items ranging from a Colorado Avalanche team jersey signed by team members and Denver Broncos tickets to pickleball lessons, a quintessential Colorado mountain getaway and a “Don’t Stop Believin’” Journey concert experience.
Sam’s Totally Rad Supper was also made possible by the generosity of the many partners, families and organizations who continue to stand alongside Catholic Charities.
Special thanks go to Community Champion Innovest Portfolio Solutions and Community Guardian Fidelis Catholic Credit Union, as well as the Hicks Family, Jansen Family, Kostelecky Family, Pottle Family, Zieser Family, Archdiocese of Denver, Knights of Columbus Boulder Council, St. Thomas More, Immaculate Conception and the Capuchin Franciscans – Province of Saint Conrad.
Their support is part of a much larger story that began in 1986.
Forty years later, Samaritan House has expanded across Colorado, but its work continues one person, one meal and one safe night at a time.
As Samaritan House celebrates where it has been and looks toward the decades ahead, Darren’s message to supporters — drawn from Galatians 6:9 — offers a fitting reminder: “Let us not grow tired of doing good.”
After 40 years, the doors remain open — and the work continues.