Catholic Charities: Appeal 2022 reaches $9.5 million goal

Catholic Charities of Buffalo on Thursday announced Appeal 2022, in support of Catholic Charities and the “Fund for the Faith,” achieved its $9.5 million goal with a total of $9,562,329.69 in cash and pledges.

“Understanding Western New York’s continuing needs, we set an ambitious goal in January and, thanks to the generosity and support of our community and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers and staff, I’m thrilled Appeal 2022 has achieved its goal,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO of Catholic Charities. “Your support ensures that Catholic Charities is a constant beacon of hope season after season across nearly every Western New York community.”

The annual Appeal helps fund 57 programs and services administered by Catholic Charities across Western New York, along with several ministries that benefit all parishes through the “Fund for the Faith.” Programs and services provided by Catholic Charities, which include basic emergency assistance, mental health counseling, workforce training, youth and family support services, helped more than 125,000 individuals, children and families in 2021.

“We are proud to end Appeal 2022 just as we started it: invigorated and optimistic in supporting the ongoing need for the critical programs and services Catholic Charities provides,” said Thomas Beecher, Jr., Appeal 2022 co-chair. “On behalf of everybody at Catholic Charities, and most importantly those we serve, I want to thank all who contributed to our success – donors, parishes, businesses and community partners, who generously made sure the annual Appeal reached its goal for the first time since 2018.”

Added Nancy Nielsen, M.D., Ph.D., Appeal 2022 co-chair, “I am very grateful for the results we have been able to announce. With continuing challenges likes rising costs for everyone and the deep pain still impacting our neighbors in the city and affecting all of us, there were many reasons to consider this goal impossible. So, I especially want to say how truly thankful I am to this community and to all of the parishes for persevering and ensuring this campaign’s success.”

For more information on Catholic Charities’ programs and services, visit ccwny.org. Those in need of assistance can visit ccwny.org or call the helpline at
716-218-1419 to find help through Catholic Charities.

A press release explained, “Catholic Charities has helped individuals and families in need since its founding in 1923. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to mental health counseling and treatment, and from specialized services for older adults to help with job training and education. Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assesses clients for other needs to ensure long-term success.

“An excellent steward of the contributions it receives, Catholic Charities earns high ratings from Charity Navigator for transparency and sound fiscal management and is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Catholic Charities also receives highest ratings from the Council on Accreditation for quality service. For more information, visit ccwny.org.”