Bishop Richard J. Malone speaks at the announcement of the 2015 Catholic Charities Appeal in January. (Patrick McPartland/Staff Photographer)

With only seven weeks remaining before the close of the 2015 Appeal in support of Catholic Charities of Buffalo, the annual campaign has raised $10,532,335.48 in cash and pledges, representing 96.6 percent of its $10.9 million goal. Appeal leaders are asking the community for their help in raising the remaining $367,663.52 still needed to reach the final goal by June 30.

Bishop Richard J. Malone said the Appeal leadership team is grateful for all the support Western New Yorkers have shown so far. He also encouraged those who have not yet donated - or are in a position to make an additional gift - to please consider doing so.

"For more than four months we have been on a journey to raise the money needed to allow Catholic Charities to sustain its vitally important work and the finish line is now in sight," said Bishop Malone. "Our 91st annual Appeal is slightly behind  where it was last year, so one final push  from everyone who can consider a donation, no matter what size, will help us achieve our goal so we can continue to support our neighbors in need  throughout the eight counties here in Western New York."

"We are blessed to have so many people who raise money through our parishes and greater community because of their dedication to Catholic Charities' mission to protect, strengthen and empower individuals from all walks of life," said Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF, diocesan director for Catholic Charities. "While we celebrate and thank our generous donors who have responded with a gift, we recognize these final dollars will be among the most difficult to raise and we once again reach out to the Western New York community for continued support. Every donation is important."

As the most comprehensive human service provider serving Western New York, Catholic Charities makes a difference for people of every faith and ethnicity. Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assess its clients for other needs to ensure long-term success.

Catholic Charities is an excellent steward of the contributions it receives. For five years, it attained the highest-possible rating (four stars) from Charity Navigator for transparency and sound fiscal management. Catholic Charities also receives highest ratings from the Council on Accreditation for quality service.

To make a donation or learn more about Appeal 2015, contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to ccwny.org. You can also check out Catholic Charities on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ccbuffalo and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ccbuffalo.