The weather outside was frightful, but donors rallied and raised $3,150,123 million during the fifth annual #weGiveCatholic, Northeast Ohio’s online day of Catholic giving. The 24-hour fundraising event on Dec. 1 – Giving Tuesday -- generated money to help participating Catholic organizations that serve people of all faiths, races and backgrounds throughout Northeast Ohio.
This year’s #weGiveCatholic raised $1.3 million more than last year’s campaign.
“Amid a pandemic and Tuesday’s snowstorm, the faithful of the Diocese of Cleveland came together with a spirit of gratitude, generosity and trust for the Catholic organizations that warm and nurture their souls,” said Patrick Grace, executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation, which coordinates the event. “Many thanks to each of the 11,564 donors and the countless volunteers, pastoral leaders and staff of nonprofits, ministries, schools, Catholic Charities and parishes -- all of whom spent many hours to raise awareness and funds that culminated in this remarkable day. We feel immense gratitude for our Catholic community and the gifts they have shared with Northeast Ohio,” Grace added.
Of the 233 organizations participating in #weGiveCatholic, over 30 participants raised more than $30,000. Five organizations raised in excess of $100,000. And topping the leaderboard by raising $301,500 was St. Albert the Great at Assumption Academy in Broadview Heights. Donations came in from around the country, including California, Florida and Colorado.
Throughout the day, many organizations, ministries and schools took to social media to encourage donors, report on progress in reaching their fundraising goals and share video messages that spoke to the importance of their ministries.
“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,” said Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic. “I am deeply grateful to the many people who contributed to the success of this year’s #weGiveCatholic effort, especially the staff of the Catholic Community Foundation, the Diocesan Communications Department, the Office of Catholic Education, the Parish Life Office, and, most of all, the donors. 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 $68,000 prize pool that was raised in advance by the Catholic Community Foundation and donors who support this initiative.
Sponsors for the 2020 #weGiveCatholic included:
- Boyd Watterson
- Dustin Applegate and Dr. Chris Hardesty
- Deacon Jim and Lori Armstrong
- Richard Beckwith
- Roger Bobowicz
- Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gatto
- Matt and Kelly Keefe
- Phil and Connie Kramer Charitable Fund
- The Kurtz Foundation
- Lamar Advertising
- John Leonbruno
- Chet Madej
- Rev. Louis A. Pizmoht
- The Rebholz Family Foundation
- Gregory Schwartz
- Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland
- Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union
The Catholic Community Foundation and Diocese of Cleveland invite Northeast Ohioans to save the date for next year’s #weGiveCatholic: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021.
“Thank you again to each of you for once again making this year’s #weGiveCatholic an amazing success,” Grace said.