ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Dear Friends,
During a year with so much uncertainty and change, your unwavering support of the Catholic Charities Appeal has been an inspiration to us and a beacon of hope for those who rely on you.
For the 8th consecutive year, and in the midst of a global pandemic no less, the 2020 Catholic Charities Appeal raised $10,479,028 to meet the needs of the most vulnerable among us.
The past year tested our strength, but your dedication to our mission never faltered. An overwhelming number of people turned to us for help and their ability to survive depended on our essential programs and services. Your kindness helped over 180 of those programs serve more than a million people seeking critical support. Your gift put food on tables, gave mothers diapers for their babies, assisted seniors with accessing medication and meals, provided students with resources for virtual learning, and so much more.
Together, we are pleased and excited to share the life changing and deeply transformative impact of your generosity. With all of its dark challenges, your support was a bright reflection of Christ’s love in action. On this page, you will learn more about what your support made possible.
At a time when many had lost hope, you selflessly Gave Hope to All.
We are deeply grateful. May God bless you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop of Philadelphia
William J. Phelan, IV, Esq.
President, Catholic Charities Appeal Board of Directors
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
2020 WAS THE 8TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR THE CATHOLIC CHARITIES APPEAL RAISED IN EXCESS OF $10,000,000!
- CCA 2020 RAISED $10,479,028 from 53,281 GIFTS
- There were 5,589 DONORS WHO HAVE RETURNED after being AWAY FOR MORE THAN ONE YEAR
- 1,037 DONORS WERE NEW to the appeal
- The AVERAGE GIFT WAS $178.00*
- 89 PARISHES exceeded their 2020 GOAL
* Excluding estate gifts
Distribution Percentages
of our $10.4 million goal...
The Catholic Charities Appeal is committed to transparency and stewardship of your gifts. This is why we do our best to keep fundraising, administrative and investment fees low. With all expenditures included, the Appeal operates at an efficiency of $0.16 cents per dollar raised. As a recognized authority, the Better Business Bureau indicates that total fundraising expenses do not exceed $0.35 cents per dollar raised. While the Catholic Charities Appeal’s total costs are considerably below this benchmark, we continuously strive for additional fundraising efficiencies.
CCA Special Initiatives
- For over forty years, Nutritional Development Services (NDS) has been serving children and those in need with food and food-related resources. Thanks to the kindness of our donors, not only is NDS providing food, but they are providing hope. We are happy to report that $516,244 was raised from more than 6,600 gifts through the special Thanksgiving initiative between the CCA and NDS.
- Thanks to the remarkable donors of the Catholic Charities Appeal, the Schools of Special Education within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia receive essential tuition assistance and support. This year was especially difficult for families coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are delighted to report that in 2020, $355,285 was raised from more than 5,300 gifts for the Schools of Special Education.
- Seniors are an important part of our community that we greatly treasure and respect. Catholic Housing and Community Services help cherish senior citizens by providing housing options, senior centers, meals, older care management, in-home support, and more. Through the generous support of our donors, like you, $442,339 was raised from 4,770 gifts to provide for our seniors last year.
Official kick-off celebrations
The 2020 Catholic Charities Appeal officially kicked-off to our beneficiaries, donors, and supporters on March 3, 2020, at Springfield Country Club. Archbishop Pérez, along with our CCA Board President, Bill Phelan, and beneficiaries, spoke on behalf of the Appeal and introduced the 2020 initiative.
Catholic Charities night with the Sixers
Catholic Charities Night with the Sixers was held on Thursday, February 20, 2020. Thanks to the generosity of CCA donors like you, over 150 tickets were sold! A portion of all proceeds from ticket sales went directly to our amazing CCA beneficiaries.
Jim Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services, along with several Catholic Social Services beneficiaries, were honored on-court prior to the start of the game. Jim oversees Catholic Social Services, which is the largest beneficiary of the Catholic Charities Appeal. Thank you to everyone who supported this fun night out!
Project Magis is a networking group of legal and financial services professionals dedicated to helping others in the local community by supporting the Catholic Charities Appeal. Project Magis assists people in need by addressing issues such as hunger, homelessness, addiction, and more through fundraising events. While the 2020 Third Annual Cocktail Reception was cancelled due to COVID-19, the Project Magis committee is committed to focusing on the needs of the community as the pandemic escalates hunger and homelessness in Philadelphia.
Learn more about Project Magis
Last year was a challenge for everyone across the globe. Here in Philadelphia, our community struggled – many were left unemployed, without food, and without hope. The Catholic Charities Appeal beneficiaries, like Catholic Social Services and Nutritional Development Services, were on the front lines of the pandemic serving the community. Through your support of the Catholic Charites Appeal, individuals and families were given hope. Below is just a glimpse of how your donation to the 2020 Catholic Charities Appeal made a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in need.
“Providing individuals, families, and children with food and food related resources has been at the core of Nutritional Development Service’s (NDS) mission for nearly five decades. Often, we encounter those who do not have sufficient access to nutritious sustenance. However, COVID-19 has greatly impacted those that may not typically face hunger. NDS is grateful to have the means to assist all individuals and their families who are confronted with a food emergency brought on by COVID-19.” – Lizanne F. Hagedorn, Executive Director, NDS
“I love my job; it truly gives me the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Last year, a family of 6 turned to Casa del Carmen for help. The mother was pregnant and due to have her baby any day. I immediately set up a Zoom meeting to see what their needs were and quickly realized they were in desperate need of resources. I was able to get them a free crib for the baby, food, diapers, and sanitizing products. I pray to God to help us receive the necessary resources so we can help people in need. I know so much of what we offer is made possible through the generosity of the Catholic Charities Appeal. Thank you for making the impossible, possible. Thank you for providing hope during this difficult time.” –Triana, Social Worker/Parent Educator, Casa del Carmen
“On any given day this past year, about fifty ill and elderly priest-residents at Villa Saint Joseph directly experienced God’s grace in the very tangible form of donors’ support through the Catholic Charities Appeal. I personally count myself so blessed and many times over, too. This past year I have enjoyed immediate daily support from a true community of highly professional staff and volunteers. The priest residents have peace of mind from 24-hour nursing supervision and support, a well-cared-for and safe, comfortable, cheerful living space. We have had an enriching community life as a “family” of brother priests. We share daily Mass, a rich prayer and devotional life, great conversations about daily events, varied and nutritious meals, and social events. With Catholic Charities support, we maintain a strong sense of “family” spirituality and security even when times get tough. Thank God for the Catholic Charities Appeal. God bless you, our donors, and caregivers at Villa Saint Joseph, our family home.” – Reverend Gerald C. Ronan, Villa St. Joseph Resident
“I received a call from a former client who was distraught after being laid off due to COVID-19. Her main concern was feeding her children. I informed her about our “grab and go” meals for children in our food pantry. She came to the pantry the very next day and continues to visit us weekly. She is so appreciative of our services, especially the food pantry. She no longer has to worry about her kids and where their next meal will come from. She knows she can rely on our Southwest Family Service Center.” – Employee, Catholic Social Services, Southwest Family Service Center
"Our Lady of Confidence welcomed six new families to our community this school year. Financial assistance from the Catholic Charities Appeal has allowed parents to send their children to an in-person Special Education School during these challenging times the pandemic has brought.” – Katie Bier, Principal, Our Lady of Confidence Day School
“Mayfair Out-of-School Time (OST) program has been such a productive part of my child’s education, both in-person and through virtual learning. During the difficult times of COVID-19, Mayfair OST exceeded my expectations by continuing to fulfill my child’s academic and social needs. They achieved this through daily Zoom meetings and a variety of activities. As a full-time teacher and parent, Mayfair OST has been a great asset to my daughter and her needs, and I am so very grateful.” – Frances, Parent, Mayfair OST
#IGIVECATHOLIC
For the first time, the Catholic Charities Appeal participated in #iGiveCatholic. This initiative was made possible through a partnership with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia. #iGiveCatholic is celebrated annually on #GivingTuesday, which follows Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. #iGiveCatholic kicks off the charitable season and brings the Catholic community together to give thanks and give back. This global Catholic initiative began in mid-November and culminated in a day of giving on December 1, 2020. This year, we raised $437,830 for Catholic Charities Appeal beneficiaries. We appreciate everyone who supported the CCA during #iGiveCatholic!
Through the generosity of many on this annual day of Catholic Giving, the CCA was able to provide the necessary support to feed families that are hungry, educate special needs children with a quality Catholic education, provide senior citizens with a safe place to call home, give the homeless access to shelter, and so much more.
On behalf of the thousands of CCA beneficiaries who were impacted by your kindness, thank you!
The Catholic Charities Appeal is the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's single most important fundraiser. Started in 1958 to help fund social service programs, the Appeal has grown to benefit over 180 organization and programs helping hundreds of thousands of people in need across the region, regardless of their faith. When you support the Catholic Charities Appeal, you are directly impacting our beneficiaries. The following Giving Societies were established to celebrate the generosity and devotion of our donors. Without you, the CCA would not have been able to raise over $10,000,000, helping hundreds of thousands in need. Thank you for your generosity and dedication to the Catholic Charities Appeal.
Parish support is essential to the success of the Catholic Charities Appeal. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, we are blessed to have over 200 parishes. We are grateful to all the parishioners who have supported the 2020 Appeal. We are especially thankful to the 89 parishes who exceeded their 2020 goal!
*Parish exceeded their 2020 goal
$100,000 AND ABOVE
Immaculate Conception-Jenkintown*
Our Lady of Good Counsel-Southampton
Our Lady of Guadalupe-Doylestown*
Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Doylestown
Saint Alphonsus-Maple Glen*
Saint Andrew-Newtown*
Saint Cornelius-Chadds Ford
Saint Eleanor-Collegeville
Saint Helena-Blue Bell*
Saint Ignatius of Antioch-Yardley*
Saint John Baptist Vianney-Gladwyne
Saint John Neumann-Bryn Mawr
Saint Katharine of Siena-Wayne*
Saint Norbert-Paoli*
Saint Philip Neri-Lafayette Hill
Saint Robert Bellarmine-Warrington*
Saints Peter and Paul-West Chester*
Saints Philip and James-Exton
Saints Simon and Jude-West Chester*
$50,000 - $99,999
Epiphany of Our
Lord-Plymouth Meeting
Mary, Mother of the
Redeemer-North Wales
Nativity B.V.M.-Media
Nativity of Our Lord-Warminster*
Our Lady of Grace-Penndel
Our Lady of the Assumption-Strafford*
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart-Hilltown*
Our Mother of
Consolation-Philadelphia*
Our Mother of Good
Counsel-Bryn Mawr*
Presentation B.V.M.-Wynnewood*
Saint Agnes-West Chester
Saint Albert the
Great-Huntingdon Valley*
Saint Ann-Phoenixville
Saint Anthony of Padua-Ambler*
Saint Cecilia-Philadelphia
Saint Christopher-Philadelphia
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem-Jamison
Saint Denis-Havertown
Saint Dorothy-Drexel Hill
Saint Elizabeth-Uwchlan*
Saint Ephrem-Bensalem*
Saint Francis of Assisi-Springfield*
Saint Isaac Jogues-Wayne
Saint James-Elkins Park*
Saint John Chrysostom-Wallingford*
Saint Joseph-Downingtown
Saint Jude-Chalfont*
Saint Margaret-Narberth*
Saint Maria Goretti-Hatfield*
Saint Maximilian Kolbe-West Chester
Saint Monica-Berwyn
Saint Patrick-Malvern
Saint Patrick-Philadelphia*
Saint Pius X-Broomall
Saint Rose of Lima-North Wales*
Saint Stanislaus-Lansdale*
Saint Thomas of Villanova-Rosemont
Saint Thomas the Apostle-Glen Mills*
Saint Vincent de Paul-Richboro
Visitation B.V.M.-Trooper*
$20,000 - $49,999
Assumption B.V.M.-West Grove
Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul-Philadelphia
Epiphany of Our Lord-Philadelphia*
Holy Cross-Philadelphia
Holy Cross-Springfield
Holy Saviour-Norristown
Holy Trinity-Morrisville
Immaculate Heart of Mary-Philadelphia
Maternity B.V.M.-Philadelphia
Mother of Divine Providence-King of Prussia
Old Saint Joseph's-Philadelphia*
Our Lady Help of Christians-Abington
Our Lady of Calvary-Philadelphia
Our Lady of Charity-Brookhaven*
Our Lady of Lourdes-Philadelphia*
Our Lady of Peace-Milmont Park*
Our Lady of Perpetual Help-Morton
Queen of Peace-Ardsley
Queen of the Universe-Levittown
Resurrection of Our Lord-Philadelphia*
Sacred Heart-Havertown
Sacred Heart-Oxford
Saint Agnes-Sellersville*
Saint Aloysius-Pottstown
Saint Andrew the Apostle-Drexel Hill
Saint Anselm-Philadelphia
Saint Basil the Great-Kimberton*
Saint Bernadette-Drexel Hill
Saint Catherine of Siena-Horsham
Saint Charles Borromeo-Bensalem*
Saint Charles Borromeo-Drexel Hill*
Saint Colman-Ardmore*
Saint David-Willow Grove
Saint Frances Cabrini-Fairless Hills*
Saint Francis Xavier-Philadelphia
Saint Genevieve-Flourtown*
Saint Helena-Philadelphia*
Saint Hilary of Poitiers-Rydal
Saint Jerome-Philadelphia
Saint John Bosco-Hatboro
Saint John Fisher-Boothwyn*
Saint John the Baptist-Ottsville*
Saint John the Evangelist-Morrisville*
Saint Joseph-Aston*
Saint Katherine of Siena-Philadelphia
Saint Kevin-Springfield*
Saint Laurence-Upper Darby*
Saint Luke the Evangelist-Glenside
Saint Madeline-Ridley Park
Saint Mary-Schwenksville*
Saint Matthew-Conshohocken*
Saint Matthew-Philadelphia
Saint Matthias-Bala Cynwyd
Saint Michael the Archangel-Levittown
Saint Patrick-Kennett Square
Saint Paul-East Norriton
Saint Peter-West Brandywine*
Saint Philip Neri-Philadelphia
Saint Richard-Philadelphia*
Saint Teresa of Avila-Norristown
Saint Teresa of Calcutta-Limerick*
Saint Thomas More-Pottstown
Saint Timothy-Philadelphia*
Saint Titus-Norristown*
Saint William-Philadelphia*
$10,000 - $19,999
Christ the King-Philadelphia
Holy Family-Philadelphia*
Holy Innocents-Philadelphia*
Holy Martyrs-Oreland
Old Saint Mary's-Philadelphia*
Our Lady of Consolation-Parkesburg
Our Lady of Fatima-Secane
Our Lady of the Rosary-Coatesville
Presentation B.V.M.-Cheltenham
Sacred Heart-Bridgeport
Saint Anne-Philadelphia*
Saint Augustine-Philadelphia*
Saint Bridget-Philadelphia
Saint Eugene-Primos
Saint Francis de Sales-Lenni
Saint Francis de Sales-Philadelphia
Saint Francis of Assisi-Norristown
Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful
Mother-Avondale
Saint Gabriel-Norwood
Saint George-Glenolden*
Saint Isidore-Quakertown
Saint John Cantius-Philadelphia
Saint John Paul II-Philadelphia*
Saint John the Baptist-Philadelphia
Saint John the Evangelist-Philadelphia
Saint Mark-Bristol*
Saint Martha-Philadelphia
Saint Martin of Tours-Philadelphia
Saint Mary of the
Assumption-Phoenixville*
Saint Monica-Philadelphia
Saint Philip Neri-Pennsburg*
Saint Philomena-Lansdowne*
Saint Rose of Lima-Eddystone*
Saint Thomas Aquinas-Croydon
Stella Maris-Philadelphia
$5,000 - $9,999
Divine Mercy-Philadelphia
Holy Name of Jesus-Philadelphia*
Our Lady of Consolation-Philadelphia*
Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Philadelphia
Sacred Heart of Jesus-Philadelphia*
Sacred Heart-Clifton Heights*
Saint Ambrose-Philadelphia
Saint Athanasius-Philadelphia
Saint Barbara-Philadelphia*
Saint Bernard-Philadelphia
Saint Cyprian-Philadelphia*
Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful
Mother-Stowe
Saint Gabriel-Philadelphia*
Saint Ignatius of Loyola-Philadelphia*
Saint Joseph-Coatesville
Saint Joseph-Collingdale
Saint Joseph-Spring City
Saint Malachy-Philadelphia*
Saint Nicholas of Tolentine-Philadelphia
Saint Paul-Philadelphia
Saint Raymond of
Penafort-Philadelphia*
Saint Vincent de Paul-Philadelphia
Visitation B.V.M.-Philadelphia
UP TO $5,000
Our Lady of Hope-Philadelphia
Saint Agatha-Saint James-Philadelphia
Saint Agnes-Saint John
Nepomucene-Philadelphia
Saint Andrew-Philadelphia
Saint Charles Borromeo-Philadelphia
Saint Joseph-Cheltenham
Saint Katharine Drexel-Chester
Saint Martin de Porres-Philadelphia
Saint Michael-Philadelphia
Saint Peter the Apostle-Philadelphia
Saint Rocco-Avondale
Saint Thomas Aquinas-Philadelphia
Saint Veronica-Philadelphia
