by Rose Caldwell
As of 4:30 p.m., the communitywide Catholic Charities Day of Giving being held today throughout the eight counties of Western New York to raise funds for the 2018 Appeal has now reached a total of $309,075. This total will increase the Day of Giving by another $100,000 in matching funds for a total of $409,075.
What originally began as $50,000 in matching funds reached $100,000 earlier today, and members of the Western New York community, and Parish and Corporate donors came forward in great numbers to ensure the success of the matching gifts and more.
Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF, diocesan director of Catholic Charities, said the organization’s inaugural Day of Giving has greatly exceeded even her most ambitious expectations and she expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to donate today.
“I am humbled and deeply grateful to our community, our parishes, our corporate donors – to all who heard our need and responded with incredible generosity today. Our community once again has demonstrated its ‘love of neighbor’ through the donations made by phone call, online and even in person. The wonderful results of this Day of Giving go a long way toward closing the gap on this year’s Appeal on behalf of our neighbors in need. On behalf of the 2018 Appeal team and all of us at Catholic Charities, we thank you!”
The 94th annual Appeal has now raised nearly $10.5 million or 95 percent of this year’s goal since it began in January.
“The theme of this year’s Appeal is ‘Love your Neighbor’ and the patron saint is Saint Clare of Assisi.
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.