"We have met a number of individuals who are so grateful for the assistance they received at Catholic Charities."  Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF, interim director.

Catholic Charities officials celebrated the progress of the 2010 Appeal after concerted volunteer efforts during Appeal Week across the Diocese of Buffalo. As of March 28, the 2010 Appeal in support of Catholic Charities has raised $ 8,095,433.47 in cash and pledges or 77.1 percent of the $10.5 million goal.

The Appeal continues through June 30, the end of Catholic Charities’ fiscal year.

Meanwhile, St. Amelia School students announced that their “Save Your Favorite State” quarter-collecting campaign for the Appeal brought in $3,524, raising $1,000 in one week and exceeding their 2009 total of $3,453. Each class chose a favorite state, and for three weeks students collected quarters from those states. Presenting the school’s final tally were Gabrielle Guzda and Nicholas DiNardo, fifth grade students.

Bishop Edward U. Kmiec recognized the work of the volunteers in making the announcement of the 2010 Appeal progress to date.

“Seven hundred fifty volunteers spread across the eight counties of Western New York have sacrificed hundreds of hours of time away from their loved ones so that the tens of thousands of people in this community who turn to Catholic Charities for assistance will have it when they need it most,” Bishop Kmiec said.

He acknowledged today’s success and added that the work is not done.

“While today we celebrate the progress of the Appeal so far, we know we have a good part of our journey left before reaching our final goal. We will continue that journey until we get there so we can ensure that the good works of this organization can reach and help those who are poor and most vulnerable.”

Michael “Mick” Whipple, 2010 Appeal Chair, talked about the impact of each donation and issued a challenge to the community.

“To those community members who feel like their donation won’t help, I want you to know that every donation makes an impact – big or small,” said Whipple. “We achieve $10.5 million one donation at a time, and to meet that goal Catholic Charities is accepting donations right through June 30.”

He added, “If you haven’t already donated, I’m asking you to make one small difference in your day, and support the Appeal. If you normally go out for lunch – pack a lunch one day and donate your savings to the Appeal. If your morning routine includes a stop to a coffee shop, make a cup of coffee at home, and donate your savings to the Appeal.”

Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF, Catholic Charities interim diocesan director, said, “Over the last few months we have met a number of individuals who are so grateful for the assistance they received at Catholic Charities,” said Sister McCarrick. “And that is what this Appeal is about. We met Craig and Sharon and their families, both of whom told us about the positive changes in the behaviors of their children through our intensive Multisystemic Therapy program for at-risk teens. Then we met Sue, who seldom left her home before receiving counseling at Catholic Charities and who now is giving back and driving her friends to church and on errands.

She also highlighted the importance of being able to continue to impact lives through the Appeal.

“Whatever the case, these people inspire and encourage us. All of their stories make each ask and every dollar worthwhile. These lives are exactly why we need to continue to reach out to our community. We need to ask them to dig deep in their own hearts and help Catholic Charities continue to positively affect the lives of children, women, men, seniors and families.” 

"Catholic Charities programs and services change lives for the better."  Dennis Walczyk, CEO.

Dennis Walczyk, Catholic Charities chief executive officer, shared the importance of the Appeal to the 70 programs and 60 locations in which 157,000 people were served last year.

Walczyk said, “Those are the programs and services that change lives for the better. Each quarter, each dollar, each contribution will help to support one of our services – alleviating hunger, removing barriers to success in education and counseling couples, children and families, as a few examples.”

Appeal leaders explained that donations can be made through Diocese of Buffalo parishes or directly to Catholic Charities. Donations and pledges are accepted at 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo; by calling 716-218-1400 or via its secure Web site at www.ccwny.org.

Catholic Charities is the most comprehensive direct human service provider serving all eight counties of Western New York, with 70 programs and 61 locations. Founded in 1923, Catholic Charities also provides, without regard to religious affiliation, comprehensive counseling services for children and families, anti-domestic violence programming and emergency services, among other social and mental health services.

The 2010 Appeal goal is $10.5 million and is under the patronage of Saint Damien. For more information on the 2010 Appeal or to make a donation, contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to www.ccwny.org.