St. Patrick's Day Society breakfast pushes total raised past $5 million

At its March 17 Communion Breakfast in Wilmington, the St. Patrick's Day Society donated $283,675, bringing its lifetime support for St. Patrick's Center above $5 million; more than 400 people attended Mass and processed to the Hotel duPont.

The St. Patrick's Day Society held its annual Communion Breakfast on March 17 at the Hotel duPont in Wilmington. Attendees gathered for morning Mass at St. Patrick Church and processed to the hotel, led by police bagpipers. The society announced a donation of $283,675 at the breakfast, bringing its total contributions to St. Patrick's Center past $5 million. More than 400 people attended the Mass and procession. Event details: - A donation of $283,675 was announced at the breakfast, taking cumulative fundraising past $5 million. - More than 400 people attended Mass at St. Patrick Church and processed to the Hotel duPont, led by police bagpipers. - Breakfast speaker Marc Palmer is a former client who became homeless after his fiancé's death in 2022 and now works for the center's food program after receiving services and volunteering. - Co-chair and master of ceremonies Mike Hare said the inaugural Mass and breakfast raised about $3,000 and was first held in the church basement. - St. Patrick's Center reported serving more than 549,000 meals in 2025, had 5,470 seniors attend activities, and saw a 20 percent increase in hot breakfasts served; its services include senior nutrition, transportation, a homeless day shelter, a clothing bank, recreational and educational activities, and social worker assistance. Summary: The donation marks a fundraising milestone for the society and reflects ongoing community support for St. Patrick's Center. The center's 2025 figures show high service volume and expanded programming for seniors and people experiencing homelessness. Undetermined at this time.