Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Catholic Charities of Buffalo on Wednesday launched its 101st annual Appeal in support of the organization and the Fund for the Faith, with the fundraising goal in 2025 set at $8.5 million.
"While some sectors of our economy are doing well, there are too many on the margins who are struggling, and Catholic Charities continues to see an increasing need for the services that offer them hope for a better tomorrow," said Daniel Mecca, Appeal 2025 vice chair. "Funds raised during the annual Appeal help to provide hope through a variety of crucial programs and services."
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. The fundraising period for the Appeal concludes this year on Monday, June 30.
In 2024, Catholic Charities assisted more than 147,000 individuals, families, and children across all faiths and throughout all eight counties of Western New York.
"While the Appeal 2025 goal considers the challenges and economic realities faced by our community, the need for Catholic Charities’ services continues to grow throughout the region and we are working as efficiently as possible to provide the needed help and hope," said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO, Catholic Charities of Buffalo. "Despite these efforts, even by reaching our $8.5 million goal, our capacity to care for the most vulnerable will be greatly tested. We are not just a Catholic institution, we’re a Western New York institution - a resource for all who are in need. Over the last century, our Catholic community has come through with tremendous support, but as we go forward, we need the help of all our neighbors to reach and surpass this year’s goal."
As Western New York’s most comprehensive human services provider, Catholic Charities’ programs and services include behavioral health services, basic emergency assistance, food pantries, education and workforce training, family safety and stabilization programs, and immigration and refugee assistance.
The Fund for the Faith provides needed funding for programs that support the faith experience across all parish communities, including hospital chaplaincy, and training for ordained and lay ministers, among others.
"For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities has provided support to the most vulnerable in our community," said Bishop Michael Fisher. "Its mission is to serve all, and we need the support of all of us to continue Catholic Charities and Fund for the Faith’s vitally important work."
This year’s Appeal patron is St. Vincent de Paul. To donate to Appeal 2025, visit ccwny.org/donate or call (716)-218-1400. In addition, donors can give by texting "HOPE4WNY" to 44321.