Catholic Charities of Buffalo is among several “affiliated entities” considering participation in the settlement agreement between the unsecured creditors committee and the Diocese of Buffalo.
Participating in the agreement would offer an opportunity to collectively settle five lawsuits that have named Catholic Charities as a defendant. “This opportunity provides resolution for these lawsuits and may be the best way for the Agency to move forward with certainty,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and chief executive officer.
Funding for Catholic Charities’ participation in the settlement would come entirely from unrestricted reserve funds, and the sale of assets. All gifts to the Annual Appeal are restricted and are used exclusively and entirely for the delivery of programs and services that benefit those most in need in our community.
“This has been a long and difficult chapter in the history of our diocese, but through it all our steadfast focus has been on delivering help and HOPE to those most in need,” said Schumer. “Not one cent of Appeal gifts will be used for the settlement or for legal fees. Unfortunately, as we sit at more than a million dollars shy of our goal, we fear that some of our donors have not heard that message.”
Appeal 2025 ends on June 30 and the agency has currently raised approximately 84% of its $8.5 million goal. Gifts to the Appeal can be made at ccwny.org/donate.
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