Good Samaritan Awards Honor Catholic Charities' Partners and Friends

June 23, 2022

2022 recipients are Chuck and Pat Ernst and PAM’s Auto

Good Samaritan Awards recipients; from left, Chuck and Pat Ernst, Pat and Tamara Huesers, Mike and Jeny Meyer.




Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud recently presented its annual Good Samaritan Awards to Chuck and Pat Ernst, St. Cloud, and PAM’s Auto, St. Cloud, at the Good Samaritan Awards Dinner and Reception, the first awards presentation since 2019 due to the coronavirus.


Award recipients are recognized for following the example of the biblical Good Samaritan by helping those who are less fortunate without the expectation of anything in return, and for their support of Catholic Charities’ mission of serving and enhancing human dignity for people of all faiths and beliefs.


They demonstrate community leadership while dedicating their time, talent and treasure, and by making a difference in the Central Minnesota community.


“It is wonderful that we were able to gather and recognize these generous volunteers together and in person for all their support of Catholic Charities over the years,” said Steve Pareja, Catholic Charities Executive Director.


Chuck and Pat Ernst


Chuck and Pat Ernst are active supporters of Catholic Charities and in the community. Both retired math professors from St. Cloud State University, Chuck has been a dedicated volunteer for Catholic Charities Emergency Services since 1996, and has a passion for working with clients and helping people in their time of need. For many years, Pat volunteered at Whitney Senior Center for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, and was instrumental in starting the program. As members of Christ Church Newman Center, St. Cloud, they are involved with the Community Meal, which helps feed members of our community in need of food and fellowship.


“Through their time, talent, treasure and advocacy, Chuck and Pat Ernst are exemplary supporters of Catholic Charities and our many community neighbors in need,” said Kateri Mancini, Director of Catholic Charities Social Concerns. “They are faithful contributors to the mission of Catholic Charities, and their collective compassion triggers meaningful action. Chuck and Pat are well-deserving of the Good Samaritan Award.”


Watch the Ernst nomination video here.


PAM's Auto


PAM’s Auto business owners Pat and Tamara Huesers and Mike and Jeny Meyer also support Catholic Charities and the greater community. PAM’s Auto has been a sponsor of Mardi Gras, Catholic Charities annual gala and fundraiser, since 2009, and the event’s Mardi Gras Technology sponsor since 2012. Pat and Tamara, and Mike and Jeny, have been active volunteers at Mardi Gras leading up to and during the event. Tamara and Jeny have been table hosts at Catholic Charities’ annual Benefit Breakfast and Luncheon. Over the years, the Huesers and Meyers have encouraged their children to host a food drive that supports Catholic Charities Food Shelf, established a vegetable garden for residents at Catholic Charities Youth House, and helped raise funds, products and awareness for youth experiencing homelessness in the area. Tamara served on Catholic Charities Board of Directors from 2016 through 2021.


“PAM’s Auto—Pat and Tamara, and Mike and Jeny—are very supportive in the community,” said Wendy Haus, Catholic Charities Development Officer. “Not only do they support Catholic Charities, but they also support other organizations. They want to help people, and they are always willing to step up and help Catholic Charities when we are in need. They are truly deserving of this award.”


Watch the PAM’s Auto nomination video here.


Our Recent News

New Hot/Cold Truck Strengthens Meals on Wheels Service in Wright County

By Brittany Hoversten • September 8, 2026
Catholic Charities is expanding its ability to serve older adults across Wright County with the addition of a new hot/cold delivery truck, made possible through funding from the Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA) and generous community support. The investment will help strengthen and grow Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining services, ensuring nutritious meals reach more seniors safely and efficiently. As the demand for nutritious meal services continues to rise, reliable transportation plays a critical role in connecting older adults with the food they depend on every day. The new truck improves the delivery process by transporting meals from Catholic Charities' production kitchens to community meal sites and home-delivered meal routes throughout the region. Designed with separate heated and refrigerated compartments, the vehicle allows staff to transport hot, fresh meals and frozen meals at the same time while maintaining strict food safety standards. The truck's specialized design ensures meals arrive at the proper temperature, preserving both quality and safety for those receiving them. The vehicle can carry hundreds of meals daily, significantly increasing delivery capacity and operational efficiency. Before the addition of the truck, meals were transported using insulated hot and cold bags, requiring additional handling and limiting the number of meals that could be delivered on each route. Today, hot meals leave the kitchen at approximately 180 degrees and maintain safe temperatures throughout transport, arriving at the recommended serving temperature of 165 degrees. Frozen and refrigerated meals are delivered below 40 degrees, allowing recipients to safely store them upon arrival. The impact extends beyond meal quality. Staff and volunteers now spend less time loading, unloading, and managing insulated bags, allowing them to focus more on serving clients and ensuring deliveries are completed safely and on time. Meals are delivery-ready when the truck arrives at outreach locations, creating a more streamlined process that benefits everyone involved. "Food access for rural seniors continues to be a growing concern," said Stacy Lund, Program Director. "The truck will provide opportunities for Catholic Charities to continue service in our rural communities as operational funding and resources become more limited while community need continues to increase." More than just a vehicle, the new hot/cold truck represents an investment in the future of Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining services. It provides the infrastructure needed to meet growing demand, expand service opportunities, and support older adults who rely on these programs to remain healthy, independent, and connected to their communities. In a fitting tribute, staff have named the truck Grace in honor of Sister Grace, a beloved former employee whose legacy of service continues to inspire the organization's mission today. Like its namesake, Grace will help deliver not only nutritious meals, but also the caring connections that make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults across Central Minnesota. About Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining Catholic Charities' Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining programs provide nutritious meals and meaningful social connections for older adults throughout Central Minnesota. Through home-delivered and congregate meal services, the programs help individuals maintain their independence, improve food security, and remain connected to their communities. The addition of Grace ensures Catholic Charities can continue advancing that mission for years to come.

The Difference a Volunteer Can Make

By Brittany Hoversten • September 2, 2026
If you've spent time with Brian Woods, you've probably heard a great story.

Family Volunteers Bring Hope to Our Community

By Brittany Hoversten • June 16, 2026
At Catholic Charities, we are blessed to witness moments that reveal the true spirit of community. During a recent visit to our St. Cloud Senior Dining program, our team saw one of those moments firsthand. Grandpa Ray and his grandson, Noah, were preparing to deliver meals—a routine that has become a treasured family tradition. Ray often brings all three of his grandsons, turning service into something that strengthens their bond while uplifting others. Our Senior Dining Coordinator, Kim, shared that Ray and his grandkids have become a bright spot for many of the neighbors we serve. For those receiving meals, it’s not just about nutrition. It’s the warmth of a familiar smile, the energy of young people at the door, and the reminder that they are seen and cared for. This simple act of delivering meals shows the power of serving together—building community, connection, and hope one doorstep at a time. We depend on volunteers like Ray—and like you—to bring compassion to our neighbors. If you feel called to serve, explore our volunteer opportunities, including meal delivery and family volunteering. Your kindness could be the moment someone looks forward to each day. Make an impact and volunteer with us!