NEW ORLEANS – Fifty years ago, in the wake of Hurricane Betsy’s devastation, Archbishop Philip Hannan established a network of social services to minister to the overwhelming needs of New Orleans’ poor and vulnerable. Today, Hannan’s legacy continues through the work of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans and with the support of the Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal (AHCA), the annual, volunteer driven fundraising effort named in his honor.
The 2015 AHCA campaign is currently underway. Brothers Clifton and Price LeBlanc, along with their wives Elizabeth and Christine, are serving as volunteer leaders of the effort to raise $1.7 million.
Donations to the campaign help Catholic Charities meet the pressing and immediate needs of children, families and seniors across the Greater New Orleans Community. Of every dollar contributed to the AHCA, 93 cents is spent on program services, care and goods.
“Fifty years later, we are proud to continue Archbishop Hannan’s tradition of mobilizing the community to serve those in need,” said Sr. Marjorie Hebert, M.S.C., President and CEO of Catholic Charities. “Today, the Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal raises funds for many of the same needs and challenges still facing our community, such as housing, healthcare, education, and emergency response.”
Catholic Charities provides a comprehensive network of more than 30 ministries, programs and community partnerships, which serve the homeless, hungry and elderly, at-risk youth, pregnant women, individuals with developmental delays, and many others.
“The LeBlanc family is honored to do our part to raise awareness and participation for the campaign and continue the legacy of Archbishop Hannan,” said Clifton LeBlanc. “Catholic Charities’ life-giving programs provide hope and resources to people of all faiths, means, ages and backgrounds.”
In 2014, Catholic Charities:
• Served 76,305 people
• Enrolled 1,522 students in educational programs
• Served 1,368 women through pro-life and adoption services
• Cared for 395 mentally and physically disabled children and adults
• Provided for 422 homeless clients
“Archbishop Hannan reminded us in life that “charity is the bond of perfection.” Donations to the Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal make it possible for Catholic Charities to continue his legacy of loving care for poor and vulnerable children, families and seniors throughout the community,” added Sr. Marjorie Hebert.
For more information about the 50th anniversary of the Archbishop Hannan Community appeal and the impact of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans click here.
