Catholic Charities of Buffalo officials and volunteer leaders announced an $11 million goal for the 2016 Appeal Jan. 6. Monsignor David S. Slubecky, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Buffalo, representing The Most Reverend Richard J. Malone, Bishop of Buffalo who was unable to attend, made the announcement at a kick-off event held at the new Catholic Charities Health Care Center for refugee clients and the community, located in the former Nativity Roman Catholic Church on Buffalo’s West Side. The theme for the 2016 Appeal is “Find Good Within” and the patron saint of the 92nd annual Appeal is St. Nicholas.
The Appeal helps fund Catholic Charities’ 70 programs across 61 sites in the eight counties of Western New York along with Bishop’s Fund for the Faith.
Two important dates during the 2016 Appeal include First Report Sunday on March 13 and the culmination of Appeal Week on Palm Sunday, March 20. Although Appeal Week marks the strongest push for parish donations, volunteers will work to achieve the final goal by the conclusion of the organization’s fiscal year on June 30.
The location for the Appeal kickoff offered a sneak preview of the just completed reconstruction of the church sanctuary, retaining much of the space’s architecture, into a primary care health clinic. The facility will be operated by Mobile Primary, with dental services provided by Baker Victory Dental Services, along with offices for Catholic Charities’ Immigration and Refugee Assistance case managers and a community meeting room. In addition, D'Youville College students will assist in the provision of clinic services.
Bishop Malone and Sister Mary appointed Nicholas and Nicole Tzetzo as chairs of the 2016 Appeal. Other members of this year’s volunteer leadership team are Gerard and Barbara Mazurkiewicz, vice chairs; Kellie Ulrich, community division chair; John and Suzanne Berger, corporate chairs; and Rick Cronin, parish chair.
Stressing the importance of donations to the Appeal, Monsignor Slubecky spoke about the example set by this year’s patron saint.
“St. Nicholas was a fourth century bishop born in an ancient Greek town off the coast of Turkey,” Monsignor Slubecky explained. “His wealthy parents died in an epidemic while Nicholas was young. Taking to heart the words of Jesus in Luke 18:22 to ‘sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor,’ Nicholas used his inheritance to assist the needy, the sick and the suffering. He became known throughout the land for his generosity and concern for others. His reputation for gift-giving became the model for Santa Claus.
Since its founding in 1923, Catholic Charities has helped individuals and families in need. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to counseling and from specialized services for the elderly to help with job training and education.
As the most comprehensive human service provider in Western New York, Catholic Charities makes a difference for people of every faith and ethnicity. Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assess its clients for other needs to ensure long-term success.
Catholic Charities is an excellent steward of the contributions it receives. Catholic Charities receives the highest-possible rating (four stars) from Charity Navigator for transparency and sound fiscal management. Catholic Charities also receives the highest ratings from the Council on Accreditation for quality service.
To make a donation or learn more about Appeal 2016, contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to www.ccwny.org. You can also check out Catholic Charities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccbuffalo and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccbuffalo.