The weather outside was frightful – at least the early part of the day – but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm among participants and donors for the 10th annual #weGiveCatholic initiative.
Organized by the Catholic Community Foundation and implemented at the local level by more than 240 participating parishes, schools and other Catholic nonprofits and organizations, the Dec. 2 event – on Giving Tuesday – raised nearly $4.3 million to benefit programs, physical plant improvements and other needs for those entities. There were 11,279 donors this year and $62,000 in prizes were awarded.
Due to a snowstorm that hit the area overnight and early in the day, most schools were closed. However, some pivoted and managed to keep the momentum going by using social media and their network of contacts. St. Anthony of Padua School had a local business step up and offer to donate $100 per snowman for each one built by students. Fifty snowmen were made by St. Anthony students, and the donor gave $5,000 to the school’s #weGIVECATHOLIC fund.
St. Anselm Church in Chesterland asked its supporters to make homemade #weGIVECATHOLIC signs, to take a photo and post it on social media.
And All Saints Catholic School got creative by doing a “sign in the snow challenge.”
Raising the most money this year was Assumption Church & Academy, with more than $520,000.
Light of Hearts Villa in Bedford raised more than $418,000 for the Sister Helen T. Scasny, SC Benevolent Fund, which benefits residents who outlive their personal resources. The fund ensures these individuals will continue to receive the same compassionate, faith-filled care without worry, said Breanne Cavileer, LOH executive director.
“On behalf of our residents, families, sisters, staff and board, thank you for believing in this mission and for standing with us in such a powerful way. From the very bottom of our hearts, we could not have done this without you,” Cavileer added.
Other organizations raising more than $100,000 include Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Euclid; St. Vincent/St. Mary High School, Akron; Holy Rosary Church, Cleveland; Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, Cleveland; St. Hilary School, Fairlawn; St. Francis Xavier School, Medina and St. James Parish, Lakewood.
“I want to sincerely thank you for your generosity during #weGIVECATHOLIC,” said Bishop Edward Malesic. “Your kindness is a beautiful witness of faith, and it strengthens the life of our parishes, schools, ministries and Catholic nonprofits throughout Northeast Ohio. As we continue through this holy season of Advent, may your heart be filled with the peace and joy that come from keeping Christ at the center of your days. Your gift is a reflection of God’s love – and a reminder that, together, we are building up his kingdom right here in our community.”
Mark your calendar for the 2026 #weGiveCatholic, which will take place on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026.
Click here for the latest updates on #weGIVECATHOLIC.