By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The annual Catholic Charities Appeal is still the drive that never fails. As the fundraiser ended Sunday night, it surpassed its $10.7 million goal.
"What a wonderful expression of generosity from our community, and really in the tough times we are experiencing at this particular junction of our lives here," said Bishop Edward Kmiec.
This was the first Western New York Catholic Charities Appeal drive for Kmiec who took over as the diocesan leader last Fall. The Bishop expressed his appreciation. But give the fiscal crisis that looms over Erie County, Kmiec was a bit relieved in making his announcement
"I feel better and I'm a little relieved to say the least."
Diocese Director of Catholic Charities Fr. Joseph Sicari says this year's appeal was more challenging that in past years due to the effects of the ongoing county budget crisis. Sicari says they expect to collect most of the money pledged to the appeal.
"Our total is based on cash in house and pledges. People have to make good on those pledges," Sicari said. "Last year, 98 percent of those pledges were made good on, so we really look forward to the people, once again, fulfilling their moral responsibility."
This year's appeal chair, Laura Zaepfel, says there is a tremendous need for the money raised.
"In reaching this extremely high goal of $10.7 million, in a very short period of time, the generous people and businesses of Western New York did so knowing that the extreme need we face in our community is growing," Zaepfel said.
By surpassing this year's goal, the drive raised 1.9 percent more than last year's appeal.
More than 60 programs and services are funded by Catholic Charities. Last year, more than 180,000 people were assisted --both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.