Catholic Charities struggles but still reaches goal

Catholic Charities of Buffalo had their final Appeal today to update the community that they had reached their goal of $11 million. The current total stands at $11,007,179, but meeting that goal by June 30 was no easy task. 

"We were all angry about the sex abuse crisis -- me too -- but some people translated their anger into pulling back donations which I think is very unfortunate," Bishop of Buffalo, Richard J. Malone, said. 

Malone also blamed donor fatigue as another challenge that the program faced to secure funding. The Appeal began back on January 10 and as of one month ago, it didn't look promising that the organization would hit their target. Catholic Charities had not failed to reach their goal since 2010. 

"We just hung in there, we were very very concerned," Malone said. "Between the decline in membership, which is, of course, a decline in financial resources and the abuse crisis on top of it all."

Catholic Charities of Buffalo will continue to accept funds up until their June 30 deadline. This money will be put towards the organization's 70 programs located in 61 different places across Western New York.