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April 10, 2001 Philanthropist Who Served the Poor to be Honored by Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities Washington, D.C. ----- The late John J. O’Neil a business leader and philanthropist will be honored posthumously June 1, 2001 during a conference sponsored by FADICA which will discuss church-sponsored work with the poor. Members of the O’Neil Family will be present to receive the Charles Carroll Award in Catholic Philanthropy, a distinction conferred on those who have best exemplified the values of Catholic faith through their philanthropy. "John O’Neil quietly gave witness to God’s love, mercy and care for the poor not only through the fortune he used to rescue them in crises of famines, earthquakes and war, but though the day-to-day words of hope and direct aid he gave to countless homeless, jobless, and troubled individuals," said Dr. Francis J. Butler, FADICA’s president. "John O’Neil’s giving was as anonymous as he could make it, but his deeds are a modern day rendition of the story of the Good Samaritan," Dr. Butler said. "They are an inspiration to philanthropists and to the whole Catholic community, and worthy of celebration and special praise," Dr. Butler added. A CEO of General Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio, John O’Neil gave away millions of dollars to help the poor around the world. His donations often enabled Catholic Relief Services to intercede quickly in famine and war torn areas to provide food, shelter and medical care. The Charles Carroll Award was established by the FADICA organization during its early years to provide a vehicle for Catholic foundation trustees and major donors themselves to recognize outstanding faith-based philanthropy. John O’ Neil played an important part in the founding and development of the FADICA organization, a consortium of nearly fifty private foundations with interests in Catholic projects and institutions. According to Dr. Butler, Mr. O’Neil was also often instrumental in encouraging fellow philanthropists to respond to humanitarian crises throughout the globe. FADICA will be holding its twenty-fifth annual meeting on June 1 as members take part in discussions on small-scale approaches to improving the lives of the poor. |