Bishop Richard J. Malone speaks at a recent Catholic Charities press conference. (Patrick McPartland/Staff Photographer)

BUFFALO - Catholic Charities of Buffalo today reported the 2016 Appeal has surpassed $9 million in cash and pledges. As a result, volunteers and campaign leadership must raise close to $2 million between now and June 30 in order to reach this year's $11 million goal.

The Appeal is now at $9,042,439.09, representing 82 percent of this year's goal. This amount is up more than $1 million since the last report, which was given on March 22 at the end of Appeal Week 2016 when Catholic Charities officials reported $8,028,684.29 had been raised.

Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF, Catholic Charities diocesan director, said she is encouraged by the results and remains cautiously optimistic the 92nd annual Appeal will reach its goal, even though it remains a bit behind last year's pace.

"We continue to make slow, steady progress in an effort to reach our very ambitious goal and we are buoyed by the contributions that have come in over the past three weeks," said Sister Mary. "We are benefitting from the return of many 'snowbirds,' who represent some of our most generous donors; many of who stayed down south a little longer this year due to the wintry weather in late March and early April. I have confidence our community will rise to the occasion, as it has done in years past, to help us reach our goal."

Nicholas and Nicole Tzetzo, 2016 Appeal chairs, thanked everyone who has donated to the Appeal, or supported it in any way so far. They also asked for continued support from individuals, organizations and businesses to ensure Catholic Charities can meet its goal and continue to serve the hundreds of thousands of Western New Yorkers in need.

Nick said, "We are extremely grateful for all of the support and donations we have received from individuals, corporations, schools and parish organizations. Although we are behind where we were last year, we are confident we can find good within to help Catholic Charities reach its $11 million goal."

Nicole added, "We encourage those who have not yet taken the time to respond to consider making a contribution or a pledge. Please know every donation, regardless of the amount, is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use in helping to serve the more than 132,000 Western New Yorkers who turn to Catholic Charities for assistance on a yearly basis."

The Appeal, which officially began Jan. 6, helps fund Catholic Charities' 70 myriad programs and services across 61 sites in Western New York along with a number of ministries through the Bishop's Fund for the Faith.

The theme for the 2016 Appeal is "Find Good Within" and the patron saint of the 92nd annual Appeal is St. Nicholas.

As the most comprehensive human service provider in Western New York, Catholic Charities makes a difference for people of every faith and ethnicity. Since its founding in 1923, Catholic Charities has helped individuals and families in need. That need is varied and widespread - from emergency assistance to counseling and from specialized services for the elderly to help with job training and education.

To make a donation or learn more about Appeal 2016, contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to www.ccwny.org.