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BUFFALO, NY – More than 800 volunteers from parishes, campus ministries, schools, religious education programs, corporations and the local community have pushed the Catholic Charities 2010 Appeal close to $9.9 million, reaching 94.1% of its $10.5 million goal with about five weeks to go. Catholic Charities’ officials announced that a total of $9,885,083.72 has now been received in cash and pledges.
During the weekend of May 15 and 16, dedicated Catholic Charities’ volunteers participated in a special “Catholic Charities Weekend” in support of the 2010 Appeal at parishes throughout the diocese. Parish efforts ranged from making announcements from the pulpit to taking a special collection for the Appeal. Volunteers hoped to reach parishioners and community members who have not yet donated.
Pastors, parishioners, business people and community leaders have been working since January to make sure that Catholic Charities can be there with services and support for those who need help and hope in our community.
Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, shared his admiration for the efforts of volunteers and donors alike.
“Every dollar and donation we receive brings us closer to our final goal,” said Bishop Kmiec. “We truly appreciate the response generated by our dedicated volunteers this past weekend. We can’t thank them – and our donors – enough. Because of your generosity, we are closer to being able to fully continue the mission of serving people who are most in need in our community.”
Sister Mary McCarrick, Catholic Charities diocesan director, also expressed her thanks to those who participated in the weekend’s activities.
“We are so thrilled with the support the community has given to the 2010 Appeal so far,” said Sister Mary. “The results from this Diocese-wide effort shows once again that Western New Yorkers are committed to helping their neighbors in need. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. One donation at a time, you ensure that we can continue to be there for whoever is in need, wherever they are and whenever they need it.”
Father Joseph Gatto, pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Williamsville, pointed to the organization’s mission as key to the Appeal’s significance.
Father Gatto said, “We want the mission of Catholic Charities to succeed. We want to reach the goal because Catholic Charities is the mission of the church. The work that Catholic Charities does allows every parish to fulfill the Gospel of Christ. Every parish together can do it, and that’s why we fight for Catholic Charities – through Catholic Charities we are able to be the heart and hands of Christ.”
Mick Whipple, 2010 Appeal chair, said, “Each donation offers a little more hope for a senior, child, woman or man who is served by Catholic Charities, and each contribution makes the light of success for this Appeal shine a bit brighter. With a little more help from all members of our community, Catholic and non-Catholic – since similarly we serve all – our goal can be achieved.”
Whipple also reminded the community that with every dollar that Catholic Charities raises, it is able to leverage $4 from other funding sources, which helps ensure the continued success of providing help to those in need.
Pledges and donations for the 2010 Appeal are accepted up until June 30, the end of the organization’s fiscal year. In addition to donating through Diocese of Buffalo parishes, contributions can be made directly to Catholic Charities at 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo; by calling 716-218-1400 or via the organization’s secure website at www.ccwny.org. The goal of the 2010 Appeal is $10.5 million and the Appeal is under the patronage of Saint Damien.
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Catholic Charities is the most comprehensive human service provider serving all of Western New York, with 70 programs at 61 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.
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