Catholic Charities of Wichita has relied on individuals, families, foundations and businesses to be able to serve thousands of people each year and they are truly thankful for the work to share God’s love with people experiencing poverty, abuse, homelessness or living with disability.
Catholic Charities honored five individuals for their contributions they made to share the mission of the organization during the 2025 Night of Joy. They were honored as part of a recognition program created to inspire both current and future donors alike to give their time, talents and treasure.
Night of Joy Honorees
David Silhan
Spirit of Joy Volunteer Award
Presented to an outstanding volunteer who embodies what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus for the people that Catholic Charities serves.
With over 40 years of experience in finance and accounting, David dedicated the last 25 years of his career to Bombardier Learjet before retiring in 2019. However, retirement was not the end of his journey. It was the beginning of a new one. He now devotes eight to ten hours a week volunteering at Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, bringing with him his passion and commitment to serving others.
As a lifelong Catholic, David sees his work at Our Daily Bread as a natural extension of his faith. Service runs in his family, as he follows in the footsteps of his mother, who also spent years volunteering at a local food bank. Inspired by Pope Francis, who calls us to serve the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, he hopes to encourage others to live with compassion and generosity.
David and his wife, Barbara are long time members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.
“I hope to inspire anyone that I come into contact with to live a life in which they treat others with respect and dignity, and to give back to their community.”
David Silhan
Spirit of Joy Volunteer Award
Presented to an outstanding volunteer who embodies what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus for the people that Catholic Charities serves.
With over 40 years of experience in finance and accounting, David dedicated the last 25 years of his career to Bombardier Learjet before retiring in 2019. However, retirement was not the end of his journey. It was the beginning of a new one. He now devotes eight to ten hours a week volunteering at Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, bringing with him his passion and commitment to serving others.
As a lifelong Catholic, David sees his work at Our Daily Bread as a natural extension of his faith. Service runs in his family, as he follows in the footsteps of his mother, who also spent years volunteering at a local food bank. Inspired by Pope Francis, who calls us to serve the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, he hopes to encourage others to live with compassion and generosity.
David and his wife, Barbara are long time members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.
“I hope to inspire anyone that I come into contact with to live a life in which they treat others with respect and dignity, and to give back to their community.”
Stephanie and Duane Seiler
Servants of Hope Outstanding Philanthropists
Presented to outstanding donors who faithfully support the mission of Catholic Charities through their recurring gifts.
Stephanie and Duane have been married for 25 years and are members of St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. They make their home on a farm outside of Colwich, Kansas, where Duane works as a farmer and rancher, and Stephanie serves the community through her work at Eaton Roofing and Exteriors.
From a young age, both Stephanie and Duane were taught the importance of service through the example of their parents. Recognizing that all their blessings come from God, they embrace a life of stewardship, giving back in gratitude.
Their support of Catholic Charities is deeply meaningful to them because it is a faith-based organization that serves in so many impactful ways. They are especially committed to keeping their gifts within the local community, to help those most in need right where they live and work.
Stephanie and Duane hope that their commitment and dedication to living the stewardship way of life will inspire their family to carry on a tradition of giving.
“We support Catholic Charities because it’s a Catholic organization making a broad impact in our local community where we live and work.”
Stephanie and Duane Seiler
Servants of Hope Outstanding Philanthropists
Presented to outstanding donors who faithfully support the mission of Catholic Charities through their recurring gifts.
Stephanie and Duane have been married for 25 years and are members of St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. They make their home on a farm outside of Colwich, Kansas, where Duane works as a farmer and rancher, and Stephanie serves the community through her work at Eaton Roofing and Exteriors.
From a young age, both Stephanie and Duane were taught the importance of service through the example of their parents. Recognizing that all their blessings come from God, they embrace a life of stewardship, giving back in gratitude.
Their support of Catholic Charities is deeply meaningful to them because it is a faith-based organization that serves in so many impactful ways. They are especially committed to keeping their gifts within the local community, to help those most in need right where they live and work.
Stephanie and Duane hope that their commitment and dedication to living the stewardship way of life will inspire their family to carry on a tradition of giving.
“We support Catholic Charities because it’s a Catholic organization making a broad impact in our local community where we live and work.”
Hannah and Rich Kerschen
Caritas Outstanding Philanthropists
Presented to outstanding donors who exemplify charity and Christian love of humankind demonstrated by giving to Catholic Charities for 20 or more years.
Hannah and Rich have been married for 56 years and Church of the Magdalen has been their home parish for over 47 years. They have three children and eight grandchildren.
Hannah and Rich feel that one of the most important decisions they made in their married life was to commit to living a stewardship way of life and giving back to God in gratitude for what He has given them.
The Kerschens came from humble beginnings, so it is very important to them to support ministries that deal with the needs of people in challenging situations, like St. Anthony Family Shelter, Harbor House, and the ministry that closely touches their lives the most, Adult Day Services, which serves adults with special needs like their grandson, Charlie. Hannah and Rich have been sharing their financial treasure with Catholic Charities more than 32 years, in addition to sharing their time and talents with our agency. Rich is a past Catholic Charities board chair and former St. Anthony Family Shelter advisory board member.
Hannah and Rich Kerschen
Caritas Outstanding Philanthropists
Presented to outstanding donors who exemplify charity and Christian love of humankind demonstrated by giving to Catholic Charities for 20 or more years.
Hannah and Rich have been married for 56 years and Church of the Magdalen has been their home parish for over 47 years. They have three children and eight grandchildren.
Hannah and Rich feel that one of the most important decisions they made in their married life was to commit to living a stewardship way of life and giving back to God in gratitude for what He has given them.
The Kerschens came from humble beginnings, so it is very important to them to support ministries that deal with the needs of people in challenging situations, like St. Anthony Family Shelter, Harbor House, and the ministry that closely touches their lives the most, Adult Day Services, which serves adults with special needs like their grandson, Charlie. Hannah and Rich have been sharing their financial treasure with Catholic Charities more than 32 years, in addition to sharing their time and talents with our agency. Rich is a past Catholic Charities board chair and former St. Anthony Family Shelter advisory board member.
Hannah and Rich believe strongly in the Golden Rule—to treat others the way they would want to be treated in the face of challenges. They have found inspiration from Bishop Gerber and their grandson, Charlie. They hope and pray that the way they live will have a positive impact on their family, who are the most important people in their lives.
“We committed to a stewardship way of life many years ago and give our gifts back to God.”
What is Night of Joy
Night of Joy is a gratitude gala to show our appreciation to those who made significant contributions of time, talents and treasure during the previous year. In its fourth year, Night of Joy is quickly becoming one of the highly anticipated annual galas in the Wichita community. More than 250 people gathered at B-29 Doc Hanger, Education & Visitors Center on February 15 for an evening of food, entertainment, fellowship and giving.
Guests enjoyed a plated dinner, a live jazz band and moments of gratitude for our donors hosted by Traci Kennedy, executive director and Andy Buessing, board chair. The evening also allowed guests to renew their support for the agency.
To learn more about 2026 Night of Joy, contact Chris Flippo at 316-264-8344, ext. 1221, cflippo@catholiccharitieswichita.org or visiting the link below.
Make an Impact
Learn how your gift can make an impact in the community and with those we serve.
Learn more about the Faithful Servant Fund
Make an Impact
Learn how your gift can make an impact in the community and with those we serve.
Learn more about the Faithful Servant Fund
Contact Us
We would like to hear from you! Call 316-264-8344 or Email us:
Services
Counseling And Immigration
Disabled Adults And Seniors
Hunger
Domestic Violence
St. Joseph Pastoral Center
437 North Topeka st.
Wichita. KS 67202-2431
(316) 264-8344
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Wichita is a 501(c)(3). All gifts are tax-deductible.
Need donation support?
316-264-8344 ext. 1262
giving@CatholicCharitiesWichita.org
Wichita Diocese
The Wichita Diocese covers 20,021 square miles and includes 25 counties in the southeast corner of the state. It is home to over 114,000 Catholics in 90 parishes.
Wichita Diocese
The Wichita Diocese covers 20,021 square miles and includes 25 counties in the southeast corner of the state. It is home to over 114,000 Catholics in 90 parishes.