Catholic Charities 2017 Annual Appeal begins; 2016 Appeal exceeded goal and raised $13M

Cleveland, Ohio – February 10, 2017 – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, announced that the Annual Appeal for 2016 exceeded its goal of $11.5 million and raised $13,039,758 million from 52,305 donors, the most in recent history. Included in this total is $725,028 raised in one weekend in May for Rose-Mary’s community homes for children with developmental disabilities.

This weekend, February 11-12, marks the start of the 2017 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal where faithful donors across Northeast Ohio will make pledges to provide services and programs to the region’s most vulnerable people. This year’s Annual Appeal goal is $12 million and raises money for health and human services delivered in the eight counties of the Diocese for people who are elderly and infirmed, individuals who are hungry and homeless, children and families at risk, and children and adults with disabilities.

“You Did It For Me” is the theme for this year’s Annual Appeal, and reflects the Gospel of Matthew in which Jesus states, “Whatever you did for the least among us, you did it for me.” Promotional materials feature individuals who have been helped by Catholic Charities, including Kevin who fought addiction, found sobriety while at Matt Talbot residential treatment center, and is now working as a residential assistant at the facility. “God gave me this opportunity. Now I can help others see a better life,” says Kevin.

Every year, Catholic Charities assists nearly 400,000 people in need throughout the eight-county Catholic Diocese of Cleveland through more than 150 program and services available at 60 sites. Donations can me made securely online at www.catholiccommunity.org/CCdonate or by calling 216-696-6525 ext. 1910.