Benefit participants silent auction featured more than 100 items. Above, Father Joe Tonos, pastor, welcomes.  (Photo by Gene Buglewicz)

OXFORD – More than 500 people gathered at St. John the Evangelist Parish Friday, May 16, for the annual drawdown to benefit the Clayton Steven Trust. The trust, founded in memory of Steven, an Ole Miss student who died in a car accident, provides assistance to the needy in the Oxford-Lafayette County community including food vouchers, medical assistance, groceries and utility payments.

The fund has recently been used to pay for full-term stays in Haven House, a facility for recovering addicts. The evening included a silent auction, $10,000 drawdown and “wine pull.” Proceeds of $43,000 were reaised for the trust.  To support this trust or get more information on parish trusts contact the Catholic Foundation, (601)969-1880.