For the fourth consecutive year, the Diocese of Cleveland rallied together in support of #weGiveCatholic, a one-day, online fundraiser on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3. During the 24-hour period, more than $1.8 million was raised for participating Catholic organizations that serve people of all faiths, races and backgrounds throughout Northeast Ohio. This is a $600,000 increase over last year’s campaign.
“The spirit, inspiration, commitment, dedication and multitude of other “grateful” adjectives were beautifully displayed during #WeGiveCatholic,” said Patrick Grace, executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation. “Many thanks to each of the 8,174 donors and to the countless volunteers, pastoral leaders, and staff of non-profits, ministries, schools, Catholic Charities and parishes -- all of whom spent many hours to help make this happen. It is a tremendous day of celebration and gratitude, and each of you helped to make it happen,” Grace said.
Of the 229 organizations participating in #weGiveCatholic, more than 30 participants raised over $20,000. Five organizations, raised over $60,000. Topping the leaderboard raising $144,921 was St. Albert the Great at Assumption Academy in Broadview Heights.
Throughout the day many organizations, ministries and schools took to social media to encourage donors, report progress in reaching their fundraising goals and share video messages from students.
“I am overwhelmed by the extraordinary generosity shown by people throughout Northeast Ohio whose support helped us greatly exceed last year’s totals for our #weGiveCatholic campaign,” said the Most Reverend Nelson Perez, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. “Yesterday, our community showed a tremendous heart and a deep compassion for people as the funds raised will be used by many organizations to help others in our community. Thanks to all who, in any way, contributed to the success of this year’s #weGiveCatholic effort, especially the staffs of the Catholic Community Foundation and the Communications Department of the Diocese of Cleveland. May God bless everyone for their willingness to get involved and help.”
Throughout the day, participating organizations engaged in a “friendly” competition to gain the most supporters and win awards from a $64,000 prize pool, which was raised in advance by the Catholic Community Foundation and generous donors who support this initiative. 2019 #weGiveCatholic sponsors included:
- Dustin Applegate and Dr. Chris Hardesty
- Deacon Jim and Lori Armstrong
- Richard Beckwith
- Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gatto
- John Houlihan
- Matt and Kelly Keefe
- Phil and Connie Kramer Charitable Fund
- The Kurtz Foundation
- John Leonbruno
- Chet Madej
- Dr. and Mrs. James Magisano
- Joe and Meredith Manning
- Rev. Louis A. Pizmoht
- Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland
- The Rebholz Family Foundation
The Catholic Community Foundation and Diocese of Cleveland invite Northeast Ohio to save the date for next year’s #weGiveCatholic: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020.
“Thank you again to each of you for once again making this year’s #weGiveCatholic an amazing success,” Grace said.