Concord Doctor Honored by Catholic Diocese

The 2015 Bishop’s Summer Reception to benefit the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund was held on Sept. 10, 2015, at Trudel House in Manchester. Attended by more than 450 guests, the reception celebrated a successful campaign that raised more than $225,000 to help those most in need in New Hampshire.

Tom and Devin Farrelly of Rye co-chaired the campaign for the second year. In thanking Bishop Peter Libasci for the trust placed in him and his wife Devin, Tom noted that many of the recipient organizations are “off the radar and not well known. A grant from the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund often makes a tremendous difference in their ability to serve their clients.”

Libasci thanked those who donated to the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund, saying, “Since 1985, the generous people of New Hampshire have enabled the Bishop of Manchester to bring relief to many, many people. Many are hungry, some are without a home, others are the victims of abuse, and still others are old and alone. Your support plays a vital role in improving all their lives.”

He also expressed his appreciation to the volunteer members of the campaign committee and the BCAF Board of Directors.

A highlight of the Summer Reception came when Bishop Libasci presented the inaugural Vita et Caritas Award to Dr. Nicole Varasteh of Concord. The award, given in memory of the late Ruthie Ford, recognizes a volunteer who demonstrates exceptional service to a non-profit organization assisting women, children and families. Dr. Varasteh is the Volunteer Medical Director of the CareNet Pregnancy Center of Greater Concord and the CareNet Pregnancy Center of Manchester and Nashua. She is an OB/GYN physician, and is also the mother of five children.

On her nomination form one person wrote, “Her faith and commitment to life are evidenced in all that she does. Her belief that each life is created in the image of God drives her to do all that she can to protect life and to treat each individual with dignity and respect.”

For more information about the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund visit www.catholicnh.org/bcaf.

Caption: Bishop Peter Libasci presented the first Vita et Caritas Award (Love and Life) to Dr. Nicole Varasteh for her volunteer work helping pregnant women with free medical screenings and other services. The award, given in memory of Ruthie Ford, was presented at the 2015 Bishop’s Summer Reception for the benefit of the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund on Sept. 10, 2015. Pictured are Patrick Ford, wife of the late Ruthie Ford, Dr. Nicole Varasteh and Bishop Libasci.