Originally published at Orange County Catholic
THE ENERGY WAS pure joy as the St. Columban’s Women’s Council celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with “Shake Your Shamrocks,” the fourth annual dinner dance for adults with disabilities at St. Columban parish in Garden Grove.
ALENA MENDOZA AND STEVEN SOLANO STRIKE A POSE UNDER THE BALLOON ARCH. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Hilda Mendez, vice president of the Women’s Council, called the annual event, which was held on March 14, “her baby.” Her inspiration was her grandson Markus Morales, age 35, who is part of the Empower Day Program in Stanton.
MARKUS MORALES (LEFT) POSES WITH SOME FRIENDS AT “SHAKE YOUR SHAMROCKS,” THE FOURTH ANNUAL DINNER DANCE FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AT ST. COLUMBAN PARISH IN GARDEN GROVE.
“Markus is an honorary member of the Women’s Club,” said Mendez. “He goes out of his way to help us all the time.”
Mendez shared that Markus has a general disability and functions at a 13-year old level, but nothing stops him. He is also an entrepreneur. He goes up and down the main street and offers services like cleaning to the businesses.
“Markus never sits still,” she shared. “He’s an avid basketball player, swimmer and dancer.”
The dinner and
