Catholic Charities Annual Spring Celebration Raises $1.330 Million

Funds raised to support agency's programs and services across Eastern Massachusetts

BOSTON – May 24, 2010 – On May 20th Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston held its annual fundraising event at the John F. Kennedy Library. The event raised $1.330 million, achieving its fundraising goal. Funds raised will support more than 190,000 people who rely on the agency's 140 programs and services across Eastern Massachusetts.

"Our organization is so fortunate to have a loyal base of donors who recognize the growing population of those in need and the impact that our services and programs can have on their wellbeing. This achievement of reaching our fundraising goal was truly a recognition by those who have contributed, that our mission is one that they can support through good times and not so good times", said Tiziana Dearing, President of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston. “The face of the poor has changed over the past few years and as we experience this protracted economic downturn the funds we have raised through this event will allow us to serve our communities and their needs.”

The Spring Celebration, which honored Ken Hackett, president of Catholic Relief Services, featured remarks by Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley and Catholic Charities President Tiziana Dearing. Hackett spoke on his experience as a young man growing up in Boston and how those experiences have helped him throughout his career at CRS.

As one of the largest providers of social services in Massachusetts, Catholic Charities offers approximately 140 programs and services in 37 locations in Eastern Massachusetts. Nearly 200,000 people are helped each year regardless of faith. For more information on programs and services of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston, visit www.ccab.org or call (617) 482-5440.

About Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Boston
For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities has continued its mission of building a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people. The agency provides approximately 140 programs and services throughout Eastern Massachusetts. These services respond to the needs of the poor and working poor, provide supportive services to children and families, and assist refugees and immigrants as they become active participants in their communities. Last year, Catholic Charities served more than 180,000 people in need, regardless of faith. To discover more of our work, visit www.ccab.org.

Catholic Relief Services is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency provides assistance to people in more than 100 countries and territories based on need, regardless of race, nationality or creed. For more information, please visit www.crs.org or www.crsespanol.org.