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| Appeal 2020 group, L-R: Rick Cronin, Appeal 2020 chair; Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Buffalo; Todd Ventura, Catholic Charities client; and Deacon Steve Schumer, Catholic Charities president and CEO. |
BUFFALO, NY – Catholic Charities today announced the launch of Appeal 2020 setting a goal of $10 million. This year’s theme is “Think of Me.”
“Embarking on my first Appeal, I have been meeting with both
clients and supporters hearing firsthand the impact that Catholic Charities has
on our community’s most vulnerable populations,” said Deacon Steve Schumer,
president and CEO, Catholic Charities. “Our $10 million goal recognizes the
challenges associated with raising such a significant amount of money in
today’s environment while also realizing the ongoing need for the critical
programs and services that we provide.”
The annual Appeal helps fund 51 programs and services
administered by Catholic Charities across dozens of sites in the eight counties
of Western New York, along with a number of ministries that benefit all
parishes through the Fund for the Faith. Programs and services provided by
Catholic Charities benefited more than 160,000 people in 2019.
The chair of Appeal 2020 is Rick Cronin. Cronin has served
as parish chair for the Appeal for the last seven years and will serve his 28th
year as chair of the Appeal in his home parish of St. Margaret Church, Buffalo.
He was a 37-year employee of the Social Security Administration before his
retirement. Graduating from St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Cronin has held
leadership roles for the school’s Annual Giving Fund campaign, the Alumni
Association Board of Directors and is a member of the Signum Fidei Society of
distinguished alumni.
“Despite whatever challenges may come, tens of thousands
across our community continue to rely on the support provided by Catholic
Charities,” said Cronin. “We must come together as a faith community and think
of our neighbors in need. When considering your donation, think of that hungry
family who received food or that young person who was able to get back on track
by earning a high school equivalency diploma. These are the individuals who
benefit from your contribution to Catholic Charities.”
Again this year, donors will have the ability to designate
their Appeal gift. Donors can choose from three options: give to the Appeal as
in previous years, which benefits Catholic Charities and the Fund for the
Faith; give to Catholic Charities only; or give to the Fund for the Faith only.
Appeal 2020 runs through June 30. Appeal volunteer workshops
and events are now underway throughout the region and will take place in the
following locations:
• Cattaraugus/Allegany
Counties Workshop, Saturday, Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Elizabeth
Motherhouse,115 East Main Street, Allegany
• Chautauqua
County Workshop, Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Mary of
Lourdes Church, 42 Main Street, Bemus Point
• Erie County
Workshop, Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Russell J. Salvatore Pantry
& Outreach, 75 Caldwell Place, Lackawanna
• Niagara
County Workshop, Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Immaculate
Conception Church, 2671 Townline Road, Ransomville
• The
Genesee/Orleans/Wyoming Counties Workshop took place on Jan. 8 at St.
Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church.
As part of Appeal 2020 launch, Todd Ventura, a client of
Catholic Charities for the past five years, shared his experience.
“My family has had to
overcome many obstacles in recent years and Catholic Charities has helped us to
navigate through these difficult times. The services they offer are only
rivaled by the commitment, character and love that the folks working there
provide to the community,” said Ventura. “Catholic Charities was able to help
mend my family and we will be forever grateful.”
The patron saint of Appeal 2020 is St. Joseph.
To make a donation to Appeal 2020 contact Catholic Charities
at 716-218-1400 or visit ccwny.org. Follow Catholic Charities on Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram.
