by Stephanie Brown
More than $9.5 million raised toward $11 million goal
BUFFALO, N.Y., April 22, 2016 – Another one-half million dollars has been contributed to the 2016 Appeal in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo, the organization reported today, bringing the annual campaign to $9.5 million in cash and pledges, representing nearly 87 percent of the $11 million goal. Less than two weeks ago on April 11, the Appeal reached $9 million.
The current total, $9,552,801.24 means nearly $1.5 million must still be raised by volunteers and campaign leaders by June 30, or in just about 10 weeks. By the same token, the Appeal has raised nearly $1.5 million since the Appeal Week results were reported a month ago on March 22.
Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF, Catholic Charities diocesan director, said she appreciates the progress made in less than two weeks, but recognizes there are challenges ahead.
“This latest half million dollar update brings us to a halfway mark from our first report a month ago and to our final goal. The progress is terrific and we are so thankful. Still, we know that the final dollars are typically the most challenging to achieve. We also continue to trend behind last year’s progress which offers added concern,” said Sister Mary.
Nicholas and Nicole Tzetzo, 2016 Appeal chairs, thanked the community for its response and urged anyone who hasn’t yet donated to this year’s Appeal to take the opportunity to do so.
“Western New Yorkers are among the most generous and compassionate people in the U.S. and we encourage individuals, corporations, schools and parish organizations to keep working so Catholic Charities can continue to make a difference for nearly 132,000 neighbors in need – Catholics and non-Catholics alike – who depend on us,” said Nick.
“Through your gift to the 2016 Appeal, older adults can remain independent and in the community, young people are educated and prepared for employment and college, and children who are neglected are made safe and nurtured,” said Nicole. “We need to continue to ‘Find Good Within’ ourselves and across the diocese in order to keep the momentum going through the end of the campaign.”
The Appeal, which officially began Jan. 6, 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.
The theme for the 2016 Appeal is “Find Good Within” and the patron saint of the 92nd annual Appeal is St. Nicholas.
As the most comprehensive human service provider in Western New York, Catholic Charities makes a difference for people of every faith and ethnicity. Since its founding in 1923, Catholic Charities has helped individuals and families in need. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to counseling and from specialized services for the elderly to help with job training and education.
To make a donation or learn more about Appeal 2016, contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to www.ccwny.org. You can also check out Catholic Charities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccbuffalo and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccbuffalo.
