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BUFFALO, N.Y., July 20, 2011 – Catholic Charities of Buffalo officials reported today that the 2011 Appeal exceeded its $10.5 million goal by June 30 with cash and pledges received in the amount of $10,601,157.94.
Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo, declared, “Our June 30 total has met and exceeded our $10.5 million goal! For this wonderful achievement and on behalf of the people in need across our Diocese served by Catholic Charities, we thank the people of Western New York for putting us over goal this year.”
This is the first year the annual Appeal has exceeded its goal since 2007 when that year’s $11 million goal was topped by $15,000.
Joining Bishop Kmiec for the announcement were Catholic Charities’ leaders and staff, the Appeal leadership team, clergy, Appeal volunteer parish chairs and corporate volunteers.
The Bishop added, “I asked for your prayers for this campaign, particularly at the close of our Appeal Week in April, and I am certain that your great faith and petitions on our behalf surely helped to see this campaign through to a successful conclusion. I encourage your continued prayers as Catholic Charities continues its work, advancing Christ’s mission to minister to those in need throughout our diocese.”
Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo, announcing that the 2011 Catholic Charities Appeal has totaled $10,601,157.94, exceeding its goal of $10.5 million. From left, 2011 Appeal Chairman Greg Maher, Catholic Charities Chief Executive Officer Dennis Walczyk and Catholic Charities Diocesan Director Sister Mary McCarrick.
The theme for this year’s Appeal was again, “Whoever. Wherever. Whenever.” because Catholic Charities is always there, providing help for people of all faiths and walks of life when they need it most.
Sister Mary McCarrick, Catholic Charities diocesan director, talked about the full engagement of the volunteers and donors in the final weeks.
“During the weeks leading to the close of the Appeal, we continued to reach out to donors through our parishes and volunteers, who worked diligently and unselfishly to spread the mission of Catholic Charities,” said Sister Mary. “We shared with them client stories of hope and success with a reminder that their efforts could generate similar outcomes for others. Our announcement today is proof of your positive response.”
2011 Appeal Chair Greg Maher, a five-year member of the Appeal leadership team, also extended recognition to the parish volunteers for their work.
Greg Maher, 2011 Appeal chairman, expresses his gratitude for the generosity of the Western New York community and the journey taken when the Appeal campaign was announced in January. Also pictured are other members of the 2011 Appeal team (behind the sign), from left, Anthony Delmonte, corporate chair, Stephen Ulrich, parish and large gifts chair, David Nasca, vice chair, followed by Catholic Charities Chief Executive Officer Dennis Walczyk, Catholic Charities Diocesan Director Sister Mary McCarrick and Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo.
“This year’s success would not have been possible without the efforts of our more than 750 volunteers who committed themselves to this worthy cause,” said Maher. “In fact, through their perseverance, 92 of the 184 parishes and campus ministries of the Diocese went over their 2010 totals – and by an average of nearly 7 percent at that!”
He added, “Reflecting on this journey, back to January when we first announced this campaign, what a ride it has been! I am truly humbled that even in these challenging economic times, the people of this great community never lost sight of the individuals we serve and the positive impact they were making in the lives of those in need by donating to the Appeal.”
Maher singled out the 2011 leadership team of David Nasca, vice chair; Stephen Ulrich, parish and large gifts chair; and Anthony Delmonte, corporate chair, and thanked them. “Their efforts through the last year are reflected in our results today, and I know we can count on their continued commitment to next year’s Appeal.”
The comprehensive services of Catholic Charities provide basic assistance and counseling for individuals, couples, and families in 61 locations across Western New York, along with other services such as mental health assessment and treatment of children and adults, high school equivalency and job skills training, chemical dependency treatment, marriage counseling, advocacy and social day care for seniors, school-based counseling programs, and family stability programs like multi-systemic therapy, mediation and visitation.
The 2011 Appeal was under the patronage of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
For more information about the Appeal or Catholic Charities’ services, go to www.ccwny.org or call (716) 856-4494.
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.
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