OLEAN - “The people of Cattaraugus County show tremendous enthusiasm. This dedicated group of people inspire us (Catholic Charities),” said Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec, Bishop of the Buffalo Diocese, at Saturday’s gathering of Catholic Charities volunteers at the Old Library Restaurant, Olean.

The get-together was held in preparation for the 2010 appeal for Catholic Charities, which holds a goal of raising $10.5 million. About 60 parish workers, clergy and volunteers from Allegany and Cattaraugus counties were in attendance.

Diocesan Parish Coordinator Patricia Fogarty stated that this campaign is “not about reaching the goal or how individual parishes do, but to help the whole of the community one dollar at a time.

“Gregory the Great reached out to the poor, lonely people of Rome and ensured every man, woman and child had a square meal,” Mrs. Fogarty continued, in her opening remarks for the appeal to Catholic Charities.

Outlining the history the Catholic Church had in helping those less fortunate, Mrs. Fogarty remarked that “we stand on the shoulders of giants. Our (Catholic Church) history is rich in giving to those who need help.

“While I understood that, I didn’t fully comprehend what was needed until I visited New York City and saw the impact poverty has on the human spirit,” said Mrs. Fogarty.

Catholic Charities has helped almost 2,000 people in Olean seeking family and emergency assistance. All in all, 2009 Catholic Charities assistance brought aide to over 3,000 people in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties officials said.

Mick Whipple, appeal 2010 general Chair, concurred with the remarks of Mrs. Fogarty, “This appeal is build on one donation at a time helping others. The goal of $10.5 million is not about bragging rights, it’s about how many people this money can serve.

“Be proud of this organization. Think and reflect on those who have been helped,” Mr. Whipple continued. “This appeal should be more mission based than donation based.”

Wendy Garfield of Salamanca offers her testimony as living proof of how Catholic Charities has an impact on real people. “When my husband died, I felt like my whole life fell apart,” said Mrs. Garfield, who utilizes the services of the Salamanca Clubhouse. “I would wear nothing but black. I would sleep all day, be up all night, keep my curtains and shades drawn. The Clubhouse has been nothing but positive for me. I can’t think of anything that could take its place.”

The Salamanca Clubhouse offers a place where people 18 years old or older with a mental health diagnosis can find encouragement and friendship. The Clubhouse offers many programs that allow for socializing, nutrition and recreation.

Allegany resident Bob Glose found Catholic Charities after his wife passed away. “I had difficulty dealing with my grief. I had a hard time finding services that helps seniors deal with their loss,” said Mr. Glose. “Matt (Wenke, counselor) helped me understand that what I was going through was normal. He helped me put things back in perspective.”

Cattaraugus County Clinical Supervisor Matt Wenke said the volunteers that help raise funds for Catholic Charities are “fulfilling the Gospels that inspire us to do our work. You give and receive and you do both with grace.”

Sister Mary McCarrick, Interim Diocesan Director, told the gathering that she is “thrilled to be part of the healing, skill, graciousness and such generosity of the people of these (Cattaraugus and Allegany) counties. Only when we are all together, is when Catholic Charities is present.”

While fundraising events and activities for the campaign are already underway, appeal week will take place March 21 though March 28. This year’s theme of “Whoever. Wherever. Whenever.” captures the organization’s mission said Catholic Charities officials.

Bishop Kmiec closed with offering his gratitude to the area residents for the continued giving of ones self. “All of you who carry out this work on behalf of Catholic Charities encourages us to how Catholic Charities has an impact on peoples lives.

“From the bottom of my heart I say thank you. It is my prayerful hope that this year’s appeal is successful.”

(Contact reporter Julia Sampson at jsampson@oleantimesherald.com)

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David Moore wrote on Feb 10, 2010 6:14 PM:

" I am proud to say that our father,Mr Robert E Moore .Worked at Cathloic Charities for more than 30 yrs.I saw first hand the hundreds if not a thousand people that he with the Catholic Charities helped.It maid a huge difference in these peoples life.
I LOVE TOU DAD !!!!!!

Your son David "

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