NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., Jan. 14, 2012 – About 45 parish and community volunteers, clergy and lay leaders from nine local parishes, and staff of Catholic Charities of Buffalo gathered today for a volunteer training workshop and luncheon to kick off the 2012 Appeal in western Niagara County.
The event was held at Antonio’s Restaurant in Niagara Falls in preparation for the 88th annual campaign, which carries a goal of $10.6 million this year.
An evening workshop and reception will be held separately for parish Appeal volunteers in the eastern part of the county on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at the Tuscarora Inn in Lockport.
Appeal Week 2012 will take place March 25 through April 1 to celebrate the support of Western New Yorkers who have made a contribution to the Appeal, and to encourage those who have not already donated to do so. Although Appeal Week marks the strongest push for donations, volunteers will work to achieve the final goal throughout the coming months until the conclusion of Catholic Charities’ fiscal year on June 30.
Last year, Catholic Charities provided assistance to more than 10,000 people in western Niagara County through its programs and services. Catholic Charities’ 70-plus programs rely on the funds raised during the Appeal.
Above, from left, Catholic Charities 2012 Appeal Chair David Nasca, Catholic Charities Diocesan Director Sr. Mary McCarrick, Rev. Robert Hughson, pastor of St. Vincent DePaul Church and vicar of Western Niagara County, Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo, Ralph Meranto, Niagara County diocesan parish coordinator and Stephen Ulrich, vice and parish and large gifts chair for the 2012 Appeal.
At the luncheon in Niagara Falls, Bishop Kmiec said the theme of this year’s drive is “Protect. Strengthen. Empower.”
“The theme articulates how our many programs, services and activities benefit the community, and those who turn to us for help,” said Bishop Kmiec. “The theme also magnifies the link between the generosity of our donors and the results of our efforts.”
Bishop Kmiec was joined by Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF, diocesan director of Catholic Charities, who further explained the programs that protect, strengthen and empower individuals and the mission behind the theme.
“Catholic Charities protects children from hunger through basic need programs like our food pantries,” said Sister Mary. “We offer nutrition assistance and education to strengthen young families who struggle in today’s challenging economy. We empower and educate teens and adults through our GED and job readiness programs.
“When any of us give from our heart, we become a refuge to those who are poor and in distress, and we provide shelter and much-needed relief. Through this response, we empower the people Catholic Charities serves to live healthy, meaningful and productive lives. This is our mission, and when the Appeal is supported, our mission is achievable.”
Reflecting on the importance of donations to the Appeal, Bishop Kmiec recalled the words of Blessed John Paul II, the patron of Appeal 2012, who said serving the mission of the Church by means of charity is the commitment and responsibility of everyone.
“I am convinced Christian charity, in its fullest expression, is the answer to many of the challenges we face as a region, nation, and global society,” said Bishop Kmiec. “As followers of Christ we are all challenged to serve those who are poor and most vulnerable in our community, and we are all asked to support the work of Catholic Charities here in western Niagara County and throughout the diocese.”
David Nasca, president and chief executive officer of Evans Bancorp, Inc., and chairperson of the 2012 Appeal, commented on the difficult economic conditions of the Buffalo-Niagara region and emphasized the increased need for donations.
“The economy remains stalled and this has impacted thousands of our neighbors. However, we will not accept these challenges as an excuse,” said Nasca. “Through the hard work of our staff and volunteers, we are well positioned to attain our goal. Together, we will overcome these difficult economic times because it is critical we succeed. We are committed to continuing to provide for the more than 140,000 people Catholic Charities of Buffalo served last year.”
Other members of the 2012 Appeal leadership team include Stephen Ulrich, vice chair and parish and large gifts chair, Anthony Delmonte, Jr., corporate gifts chair, and Beth Mattimore, community division chair.
In western Niagara County, Catholic Charities provides these services at the following offices: Basic assistance, counseling for individuals, couples and families, Our Kids: Parent Education Awareness Program, Domestic Violence Program for Men, at 256 Third St., Niagara Falls; Basic assistance and counseling for individuals, couples and families at 1465 Payne Ave., North Tonawanda; Monsignor Carr Institute Children’s Mental Health Clinics, 620 Tronolone Place, Niagara Falls and 1465 Payne Ave., North Tonawanda; and the WIC (Women, Infant and Children nutrition program), 237 Fourth St., Niagara Falls and 1208 Oliver St. in St. Peter’s Church, North Tonawanda.
Catholic Charities is the most comprehensive direct human service provider serving all eight counties of Western New York, with 70 programs and 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.
For more information on the 2012 Appeal or to make a donation, contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to www.ccwny.org. Check out Catholic Charities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccbuffalo and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccbuffalo.
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