Now that #weGiveCatholic 2024 is over, more than 200 participating schools, parishes, ministries and Catholic nonprofits are reaping the benefits of the historic day of online giving that raised more than $4 million. The ninth annual event took place on Dec. 3. Results show the initiative raised $4,082,384.
This year, the early giving period that began Nov. 23 generated $488,997, according to the Catholic Community Foundation, which oversees the program. Last year, 237 organizations participated in #weGiveCatholic, with 224 receiving gifts during the event. This year, there were 244 participants with 226 receiving gifts, according to reports from the foundation.
Donors had several options for making gifts, with most opting for online donations. Many organizations were able to secure matching donations, which helped increase the amount raised for their cause.
Participating organizations had a variety of plans for the funds they raised.
Among the large parishes that participated, Assumption Church and Academy in Broadview Heights raised more than $800,000 from 334 donors, earning top fundraiser bragging rights. They also were the recipient of a $500,00 gift. Parish and school officials plan to use the money they raised for construction of a new service building to house maintenance equipment, provide additional storage and meeting space, for a school makerspace and for school operations.
In the medium parish category, St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Akron raised $67,142 from 78 donors. Plans are to use the funds for renovations to the clock and bells and to light the church’s stained-glass window.
Among the participating small parishes, Holy Rosary in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood, raised $108,375 from 146 donors. Funds raised will be used to offset the cost of a new boiler in the priest residence, new/updated controls for the bells in the church bell tower and repairs to the church organ.
In the large school category, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron took the top place by raising $183,985 from 296 donors. Among the medium schools, St. Francis Xavier School in Medina raised $88,025 from 337 donors and in the small school category, St. Anthony of Padua School in Parma took first place by raising $65,386 from 382 donors.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland had a number of ministries participating in #weGiveCatholic. Top fundraiser was CYO, which raised $27,861 from 100 donors to ensure that faith-focused sports opportunities are available to children throughout the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland.
Among the Catholic nonprofits participating this year, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Euclid raised $136,236 from 406 donors to help finance renovations to the chapel.
Many participants were involved in friendly competitions and were able to bolster their fundraising with prizes earned during a variety of competitions.
Bishop Edward Malesic helped spread the news about the annual #weGiveCatholic event with appearances on WKYC TV’s “Good Company” show at lunchtime. The bishop also was on radio stations AM 1260 The Rock and WTAM 1100 AM.
“The Catholic Church in Northeast Ohio has a long and rich history rooted in our vibrant parishes and extending outward,” the bishop said, adding the Church’s mission is lived outward daily as it brings hope and love to those in need.
He said the #weGiveCatholic event is “a perfect chance to support your favorite school, parish, ministry or Catholic nonprofit and to give thanks for the many blessings God has showered upon us. Thank you for your generosity.”
Save the date: Next year’s #weGiveCatholic is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec, 2, 2025. The event takes place on Giving Tuesday.