Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Wednesday is the single most important fundraising day of the year for Catholic Charities of Buffalo: Hope Day.
"This is a special day. We raise more money today than on any other day during the annual Catholic Charities Appeal. It's partly because of our generous sponsors, who are matching the first $111,000, dollar for dollar," said Chuck Hayes, Chief Communications and Development Officer for Catholic Charities of Buffalo.
Donations on Wednesday go twice as far.
Catholic Charities has a lofty goal of $8.5 million through the end of June.
"We are seeing a slowdown in the economy, but in Western New York, the generosity of our donors does not seem to slow down," noted Hayes.
The funding helps to care for and provide services to more than 147,000 Western New Yorkers across eight counties.
"We have some very generous donors providing the matching funds. OneBridge Benefits, EnergyMark, Uniland Development, Tops Friendly Markets, Catholic Health, Abbey Mecca Advertising and Independent Health."
As of March 19, Hayes said they have raised more than $3.7 million, or about 44% of its goal to date.
"We're really counting on all of Western New York to step up and make Hope Day of the most successful ever."
Donations for the 2025 Appeal can be made HERE, or by calling 716-218-1400.