Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg smashes fundraising goal, netting $233,950

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg hoped its online Guardian Angel Appeal fundraising campaign would raise about $50,000. Donors smashed that goal, then kept giving. The campaign raised $233,950.

“There’s no way I could express how amazed I am at the success of the campaign, not because of any doubts about the generosity of the people of the diocese, but about the reality of the situation, that we went out to ask for support in the middle of a pandemic,” Monsignor Raymond E. Riffle, managing director of Catholic Charities, said in a statement.

The online campaign replaced three annual fundraising events, all of which the organization canceled due to the pandemic: the Paul R. Smiy Memorial Golf Outing, the Designer Purse Bash and Crystal Bake Sale and the annual Salt and Light dinner. The dinner is the organization’s largest fundraiser, bringing in nearly $100,000 annually.

Several large donors helped kick the Guardian Angel Campaign into high gear. One anonymous donor offered to match $25,000 in donations, then another donated $100,000.

“This is just phenomenal, truly,” said Heather Rady, director of community relations and special events for Catholic Charities. “I am over the moon. Overall, this was just far more wonderful than we even expected.”

Catholic Charities uses the money to buy food, utilities, fuel and baby items for people in Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland counties.

“Every year, we use all of the money that comes in, so it’s not like we’re storing up money from past years,” Riffle said.

The Heroes of Hope Guardian Angel fund drive honored members of the community who have helped people in need during covid-19, including first responders, doctors and volunteers.