BUFFALO, N.Y. – Catholic Charities of Buffalo officials announced that another $883,546 has been collected in cash and pledges in support of Appeal 2008 since March 16, edging the total close to $10 million. The current total is actually $9,838,221.37or 87.8 percent of the $11.2 million goal.
Another $1,361,778.63 in donations, or 12.2 percent, is needed to close the gap and achieve goal.
On March 16, officials had announced a total in cash and pledges of $8,954,674.71, which represented 79.9 percent of goal.
Catholic Charities’ officials explained their gratitude at the response, but urged continued diligence until the goal is met.
Father Joseph Sicari, Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities, explained, “We are encouraged by the pace of donations in these first days since our last report and we are extremely grateful. While we are buoyed by the support, we realize that the gap between where we are now and where we need to be is still significant.”
He added, “With today’s worsening economic picture not only here locally but across our nation, our concern is for the children, families, adults and seniors who will turn to us in the coming weeks and months for counseling, food and mental health services – Catholic Charities needs to be there for them as we have always been. These funds are integral to our ability to serve Western New York.”
Martha Lamparelli, Appeal 2008 Chairperson, emphasized the organization’s legacy of fiscal responsibility and excellent stewardship.
“When you look at the Catholic Charities organization as a whole and consider its low combined administrative and fund-raising costs of 15 percent, as well as its ability to leverage $4 from other funding sources for every $1 donation, you know that your contribution will reach the people it is intended to help. I know that Catholic Charities truly changes lives. So, again I ask everyone to give as little or as much as they can, but to please make a contribution.”
Appeal leaders added that donations can be made to Catholic Charities’ headquarters, by calling 716-856-4494 or via its secure Web site at www.1-for-all.org, or by mailing a contribution or pledge to Catholic Charities, 525 Washington St., Buffalo, NY 14203.
Last year, Catholic Charities received an additional $1,075,535 after April 1, and reached the $11 million goal on May 22, six weeks after Palm Sunday.
Donations are collected toward each Appeal through June 30, the end of the organization’s fiscal year.
The goal for Appeal 2008 of $11.2 million represented a $200,000 increase over last year’s $11 million goal. This year’s Appeal was under the patronage of Saint Katharine Drexel.
Founded in 1923, Catholic Charities provides comprehensive counseling, services for children and families, behavioral health and chemical dependency services, anti-domestic violence programming, emergency services, and education and job training, among other social services.
For more information on Catholic Charities, contact (716) 856-4494 or go to www.ccwny.org.
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