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Catholic Charities Launches Its Biggest Annual Fundraiser: Hope from Home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2021

Marion Ahlers, Director of Marketing and Communications
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Pittsburgh
412-456-6693
mahler@ccpgh.org

 

Catholic Charities Launches Its Biggest Annual Fundraiser: Hope from Home
Proceeds to benefit those in need in southwestern Pennsylvania
Campaign will also honor those in the region making a difference

Pittsburgh -- This morning, Catholic Charities launched its largest annual celebration and fundraiser, Hope from Home, at www.cchopefromhome.org. Proceeds from the month-long campaign will fund services to meet urgent need and foster long-term solutions in the areas of counseling, health care, basic needs, pregnancy and parenting, housing and homelessness, and senior services.

“Under any circumstances, it would be an honor to support Catholic Charities,” said Tom McGough, co-chair of the campaign. “Following the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on our neighbors in the region – and continues to have – this is an urgent call for support that simply can’t be ignored.”

Campaign co-chair Becky McGough agrees. “It is unbelievable what Catholic Charities team members are facing daily. Every call that comes in to their offices is from someone who is afraid of how they will make it through the end the day, and those calls are heartbreaking and relentless. Yet the staff continues to help find short and longer-term solutions” 

Many individuals and families in the region remain food insecure, unsure of their ability to stay in safe housing and now struggle with the emotional turmoil of continual crisis. 

During the most recent fiscal year, the agency served more than 27,000 clients, a 29% increase over the previous fiscal year, through 352,468 acts of service. Those acts included no-contact delivery of food and baby supplies, comprehensive medical and dental care for the uninsured and underinsured, and counseling services, now open through tele-therapy to all eligible Pennsylvanians. 

“That’s really just the tip of the iceberg,” said Susan Rauscher, Executive Director, Catholic Charities. “These 12 months have been the hardest we’ve ever faced. In fact, during just the first half of this fiscal year, we have provided 87% increase in direct assistance for our neighbors who need help with most of basic needs. 

“In order to keep helping those in distress, we need to rely on the help of our neighbors.” 

Through the end of May, supporters may make a donation directly at www.cchopefromhome.org.

“My team and I are grateful for every prayer, gesture of support and generous donation,” said Ms. Rauscher. “Our determination is to continue to serve southwestern Pennsylvania well by welcoming any person in distress regardless of their background or story and working them to reframe every urgent need as an invitation to partner with us for long-term stability.” 

Each Friday on the site, the campaign will also celebrate the achievements of several people and organizations in our region whose vision, heart and inspiration are changing our communities. 

“This campaign asks what hope looks like,” said Mr. McGough. “Of course, it looks like all of us united, tapping into the inspiration and kindness for which our region is known.”

“It’s an honor to join Bishop Zubik in recognizing those who are dedicated to bettering our neighborhoods through practical solutions and meaningful partnerships,” said Mrs. McGough. 

Catholic Charities 2021 Community Caritas Awards will be presented to: 

  • Pirates Charities
  • Peoples Natural Gas Co
  • Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B
  • Project Cares Leadership
    • Bill Demchak, PNC Bank
    • David Holmberg, Highmark Health
    • Jeffrey A. Romoff, UPMC

Additionally, the campaign site will feature a weekly message of hope along with mission stories that demonstrate the work Catholic Charities does on behalf of southwestern Pennsylvania. 

Sponsors for the campaign include: PNC, Highmark Health, UPMC Health Plan, Jones Day, Diocese of Pittsburgh, Tom and Beck McGough, Gateway Health, Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC, Peoples Natural Gas Co, Alina and Joe Massaro, In Memory of John M. Foody Sr., Joe and Diana Rockey, and Howard Hanna Real Estate.

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About Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities serves all, regardless of religious affiliation, at their times of great need. With offices in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties, Catholic Charities has been providing programs and services since 1910. Catholic Charities offers counseling, a Free Health Care Center for the uninsured and underinsured, senior centers and services (out of Lawrence County) homeless assistance, pregnancy and parenting support, and more. For more information about our programs and services, visit www.ccpgh.org.