BUFFALO — Appeal 2024, the 100th annual campaign in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo and the Fund for the Faith, was launched Thursday with a goal of raising $9.5 million by June 30.
The first Appeal launched in 1924 with a goal of $262,116. It was met and exceeded with a total of $325,808 raised. In the 99 years of the Appeal, close to half a billion dollars has been raised to provide help and hope to those who need it most.
“While things have certainly changed over the past 100 years, the mission of the Appeal itself is much the same — raising money to help people in need in Western New York,” said Kevin Gannon, Appeal 2024 chair. “The very first Appeal in 1924 served about 12,500 people. Today, Catholic Charities provides hope to more than 145,000 individuals of all ages and of all faiths, illustrating the need for these critical programs and services in our community.”
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.
“On the heels of celebrating the centennial of Catholic Charities’ founding in Buffalo last year, the year 2024 marks something equally special — our 100th Appeal,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO, Catholic Charities. “The backbone of stability for our organization, the Appeal has allowed us to continue our mission of providing hope for so many in our community for the last century. We just wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the continued generosity and support of Western New Yorkers.”
“Bishop Turner began the first Appeal 100 years ago when he recognized the need for consistent, organized funding for the ministries of Catholic Charities,” said Bishop Michael W. Fisher. “It’s an honor and privilege to continue with this legacy of charity and compassion today. The essential services through Catholic Charities are so often the difference between despair and hope. It’s the food in the cupboard, the life-sustaining medicine, the clothes for the growing child, and the peace of mind for a family on the brink. That’s why the support, and the success, of the Appeal has been and continues to be so important.”
This year’s Appeal patron is St. Patrick. To donate to Appeal 2024, visit ccwny.org/donate or call 716-218-1400. In addition, donors can give by texting HOPE4WNY to 44321 or scanning the QR code found on Appeal materials.