Catholic Charities of Buffalo reported the 2016 Appeal has surpassed $10 million in cash and pledges. As a result, volunteers and campaign leadership must raise close to $1 million over the next seven weeks in order to reach this year's $11 million goal by June 30.

The Appeal is now at $10,031,500.66, representing 91.2 percent of this year's goal. This amount is up more than $500,000 since the last report, which was given on April 22 when Catholic Charities officials reported $9,552,801.24 had been raised.

Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF, Catholic Charities diocesan director, said the campaign is making progress and she is encouraged by the results, and remains optimistic the 92nd annual Appeal will reach its goal.

"At this time last year, we were at 96 percent toward our $10.9 million goal. Though we are tracking a bit behind where we were a year ago, we're continuing to move forward at a steady pace," said Sister Mary. "One creative way that people can help contribute toward the $11 million goal is to buy tickets for our first-ever fundraising concert at Kleinhans on June 30 featuring pop opera trio Forte Tenors."

Forte is best known for their time on America's Got Talent, where the group, now comprised of Josh Page, Sean Panikkar and Hana Ryu, made it as a finalist on the show's eighth season in 2014. Tickets to the 7 p.m. concert can now be purchased here through Kleinhans Music Hall and range in price from $45.50 to $75.50. All sales will benefit the 2016 Appeal.

Nicholas and Nicole Tzetzo, 2016 Appeal chairs, urged the Western New York community to find the good within themselves to support Catholic Charities in whatever capacity they can.

Nick said, "We are extremely grateful for the support we've seen thus far from individuals, organizations and businesses. We are hopeful that Catholic Charities will meet its goal so it can continue to serve the hundreds of thousands of Western New Yorkers in need."

Nicole added, "We encourage those who have not yet taken part in this year's Appeal 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 all of those 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. You can also check out Catholic Charities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccbuffalo and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccbuffalo.