Catholic Charities officials have announced that the 2010 Appeal in support of Catholic Charities and the Bishop’s Fund for the Faith achieved 97.8 percent of its goal with a total of $10,272,946.38 collected in cash and pledges. The goal was $10.5 million.
In Genesee County alone, a total of $313,641.11 was raised.
Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, thanked the hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donors who contributed to the effort.
“To the 750 volunteers and the 64,527 donors across the eight counties of Western New York who have selflessly given of themselves since January to support their neighbors in need – thank you,” said Bishop Kmiec. “With your help we are able to continue to provide for children, youth, adults and seniors wherever they live and whenever they are in need.”
The 2010 Appeal has raised an additional $2,177,512.91 since Palm Sunday, March 28.
Catholic Charities Diocesan Director Sister Mary McCarrick expressed her appreciation to all whose lives are touched by the works of Catholic Charities.
“Though the national economy appears to be on an upswing, thousands across Western New York continue to struggle with unemployment,” said Sister Mary. “We greatly appreciate our leadership team, donors, volunteers, clergy and their parish teams, as well as our own staff, all of whom recognize the positive impact Catholic Charities has and the stability it brings to households right in our community.”
Michael “Mick” Whipple, 2010 Appeal chair, expressed his thanks to his fellow Appeal leadership team members.
“For the past several Appeals, the leadership team has been tasked with soliciting contributions and donations during some of the most challenging economic times that our country has been faced with,” said Whipple. “I’m confident that this Appeal wouldn’t have been as successful as it has been if it weren’t for my teammates. The Appeal Leadership Team has volunteered countless hours away from home and worked hard until the very end to ensure that Catholic Charities can continue to meet its mission of service to those in need.”
The 2010 Appeal leadership team also included Williamsville residents Greg Maher, vice chair, and David Nasca, Corporate chair; as well as Snyder resident Stephen Ulrich, Parish and Large Gifts chair, and Buffalo resident Ann Celani, Community chair.
For people in need across Western New York, Catholic Charities is there with assistance for basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter; with counseling and support for victims of domestic violence; and with comfort for those who are lonely. Funds raised through the Appeal allow Catholic Charities to leverage government funding, ensuring the organization’s ability to provide help to those in need.
Donations are collected toward each Appeal through June 30. The goal for the 2010 Appeal of $10.5 million represented a slight increase over the total dollars pledged in 2009. The Appeal was under the patronage of Saint Damien.
Catholic Charities is the most comprehensive human service provider serving all of Western New York, with 70 programs at 62 locations. Founded in 1923, Catholic Charities also provides, without regard to religious affiliation, comprehensive counseling services for children and families, anti-domestic violence programming and emergency services, among other social and mental health services. For more information visit ccwny.org.
