Appeal 2024 HOPE Day is Wednesday, May 15

Annual day of match giving supports 100th Appeal’s $9.5 million goal; Resurgence Brewing to offer limited-edition ‘Hops for Hope’

Submitted on Behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo 

HOPE Day, the annual 24-hour match challenge day of giving to benefit Appeal 2024 is Wednesday, May 15, across Western New York. The first $61,000 raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar from generous donors including Uniland Development, Catholic Health and OneBridge Benefits. All funds go toward the annual Appeal’s $9.5 million goal in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the “Fund for the Faith.”

New this year to mark the 100th annual campaign, the Appeal is partnering with Resurgence Brewing Company on a limited-edition “Hops for HOPE” beer. This special renaming of a summer ale brew will only be available on tap on HOPE Day at Resurgence located at 55 Chicago St., Buffalo. A limited amount of four packs will also be available for purchase at Resurgence while supplies last. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Appeal 2024.

“Our community has embraced HOPE Day, with more than $2 million raised to support the annual Appeal on these six days alone,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO of Catholic Charities. “Everything we do to serve our neighbors who are homeless, who are hungry, who are in need, and who are troubled, starts with HOPE. When you donate, your gift is more than just a hot meal or counseling; it is giving families and individuals HOPE.”

During HOPE Day, Appeal volunteers and Catholic Charities staff members will gather to make phone calls to those who haven’t donated yet this year, giving them the chance to double their gift. In addition, for each $1,000 donated, a colorful two-dimensional tulip cutout will be placed in the lawn at Catholic Charities Administrative Center at 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.

“For the past 100 years, the mission of the annual Appeal has been about raising money to provide HOPE and help for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Kevin Gannon, Appeal 2024 chair. “Your donation brings HOPE and plays a vital role in the growth and success of Catholic Charities. As we enter the final weeks of the annual Appeal, we thank those who have donated, and to those who haven’t yet, we encourage you to join with us on HOPE Day.”

Appeal 2024, which continues until June 30, has currently raised $5,481,170.73, or 57.6% of its goal to date. The annual Appeal helps fund more than 50 programs and services administered by Catholic Charities along with several ministries through the “Fund for the Faith.”

As the most comprehensive human services provider serving people of all faiths across all eight counties of Western New York, Catholic Charities’ programs and services include basic emergency assistance such as food pantries, education and workforce training, family safety and stabilization services, immigration and refugee assistance, behavioral health services, and youth and family support services. The “Fund for the Faith” provides needed funding for programs that benefit all parish faith communities, including hospital ministry, and seminarian and diaconate formation programs, among others.

Donors can give at ccwny.org/hopeday or call 716-218-1400.