Hope Day raises over half a million for Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities of Buffalo, which promises hope for all seasons, held its annual Hope Day to give Appeal 2025 an extra push. The annual 24-hour challenge day in support of Catholic Charities and the Fund for the Faith surpassed its goal, raising a total of $516,124. All funds raised on HOPE Day go toward the annual appeal’s $8.5 million goal.

Volunteers spent March 19 calling donors who had given in the past, but have not yet given this year to remind them of the good work their dollars will support. The first $111,000 raised was matched dollar-for-dollar from sponsors including OneBridge Benefits, EnergyMark, LLC, Tops Friendly Markets, Uniland Development Company, Catholic Health, Independent Health and Abbey Mecca.

Over the past seven years, Hope Day has raised $2.5 million in donations and matching funds. Formerly held in May, this event was moved into Lent this year. 

“We felt it was appropriate because Lent is the season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. So, this is a way for people to complete their Lenten observances by making a donation to Catholic Charities,” explained Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Buffalo.

Throughout the day, 40 volunteers pitched in making calls. They reached out beyond the Catholic community, traditionally the primary source of Catholic Charities fundraising. 

“We’re serving the whole community – 147,000 people last year, nearly 10 percent of the population of Western New York, many of whom are not affiliated with the Catholic Church in any way,” said Deacon Schumer. “So, we’re reaching out into the larger community to tell the Good News, to say we’re hope for the whole community. To do that, we need help from the whole community.”

Deacon Schumer recalls going door to door as a kid with his father to collect. Now, a digital interface is used, allowing donors to give any time through the Catholic Charities website.

“Now it’s more direct mail and internet and social media and telephone calls. It’s a different appeal, so we need more time,” Deacon Schumer explained.

The need for assistance with finances, food insecurities and mental health continue to increase in Western New York.

 “The economy is difficult. There’s been a lot of economic uncertainty. There’s been layoffs in the news in the past year. We can all think of those. Some people who were donors are now coming to us for assistance,” Deacon Schumer explained. “It’s a perfect storm. More people coming for help. More people needing help. Less money to do it. So, we’re really asking people to pray for this ministry and to support us if they possibly can.”

 Gina Giese, Appeal 2025’s parish and community chair is one of many volunteers helping out for the day. Along with hope, she finds the day filled with “an incredible amount of fun and fellowship.” 

“So far it’s going very well,” she said. “Having Hope day in March is going very well because it gives them that added encouragement and a reminder to make their Catholic Charities support. So, it’s working out very well. Everyone is very receptive.”Appeal 2025 continues through June 30. With the Hope Day contributions $4.48 million or 52 percent of its $8.5 million goal has been raised. Donors can give at ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400.