by Nancy Steves
Appeal Week 2018 in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo begins this coming weekend and culminates on Palm Sunday in all parishes throughout the eight counties of Western New York.
Parish volunteers will encourage and coordinate fundraising efforts at weekend Masses on March 17-18 and continuing March 24-25 in the Diocese of Buffalo to help achieve this year’s $11 million goal.
Although Appeal Week marks the strongest push for parish donations, volunteers will work to achieve the final goal until the conclusion of Catholic Charities’ fiscal year on June 30 if necessary.
Appeal Week 2018 results will be announced at a news conference on Tuesday, March 27 at 11 a.m. at the Catholic Charities Montante Administrative Center, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.
Robert M. Bennett, Chancellor Emeritus of the New York State Board of Regents, general chair of this year’s 94th annual Appeal and a parishioner at St. Christopher Parish in Tonawanda, asked supporters to follow in the footsteps of St. Clare of Assisi – this year’s patron saint – by expressing their concern for others and pledging their support.
Bennett said, “St. Clare told us ‘we are to become the vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.’ This is our inspiration and motivation as we carry out the 2018 Appeal.”
Sister Mary McCarrick, diocesan director of Catholic Charities, said the organization is gearing up for another successful Appeal, but realizes it will require tremendous parish, community and corporate support to reach such an ambitious goal knowing last year’s effort went right down to the final days of the campaign.
“No matter the environment year to year, Catholic Charities’ programs and services fulfill the goal to ‘love your neighbor,’ which is the theme of this year’s Appeal,” said Sister Mary. “The vitally important services we provide benefitted nearly 153,000 people last year alone,” she added.
The Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo, said this year’s goal “Recognizes the challenges associated with raising such a significant amount of money while also realizing the need for our programs and services is great.”
The 2018 Appeal which began on Jan. 10 helps fund Catholic Charities’ 70 myriad programs and services across 61 sites in Western New York along with a number of ministries through the Bishop’s Fund for the Faith.
Catholic Charities is the most comprehensive human service provider in the region, serving people of all ages, races, faiths and walks of life. It has helped individuals and families in need since its founding in 1923. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to mental health counseling and treatment, and from specialized services for older adults to help with job training and education.
Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assesses clients for other needs to ensure long-term success.
An excellent steward of the contributions it receives, Catholic Charities earns highest-possible ratings from Charity Navigator for transparency and sound fiscal management and is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Catholic Charities also receives highest ratings from the Council on Accreditation for quality service.
To donate to the 2018 Appeal or for more information contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to ccwny.org. You can also join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
