Appeal 2020 HOPE Day scheduled for Friday, May 22

Catholic Charities’ annual day of giving aims to bolster this year’s $10 million goal

With less than two months to go in Appeal 2020, Catholic Charities announced HOPE Day, the annual 24-hour match challenge day of giving, will be held Friday, May 22, throughout Western New York. The first $58,750 raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar, with gifts from donors who wish to remain anonymous, in the ongoing effort to reach the annual Appeal’s $10 million goal.

To date, Appeal 2020, which helps to fund Catholic Charities’ programs and services across dozens of sites in Western New York, along with a number of programs and ministries through the “Fund for the Faith,” has raised $6,574,934 (or 65% of goal) since January. In the past two years, HOPE Days have brought in more than $920,000 to bolster the annual Appeal.

“Never before has the Appeal been so relevant as Catholic Charities continues to help our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet during these challenging times,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO of Catholic Charities. “It is through the annual Appeal, and the ongoing generosity and support from the Western New York community, that we can be there for our neighbors in need now and once this devastating pandemic is over.”

In the past eight weeks, Catholic Charities has provided services to nearly 27,800 individuals and families in need through all of its programs, including food pantries, basic emergency assistance, mental health and substance use counseling, domestic violence programs, and WIC. That two-month figure compares with a total of 160,000 people in need helped by Catholic Charities during the past year.

HOPE Day donations can be made securely online at hopeday.ccwny.org. For more information about Catholic Charities and the services it provides, visit ccwny.org. Appeal 2020 runs through June 30.

For more information, visit ccwny.org.