NEW ORLEANS – Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans has announced Paul L. Fine as chairman of the 2016 Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal (AHCA). Donations to the annual, volunteer-driven fundraising effort help Catholic Charities meet the pressing and immediate needs of children, families, and seniors across the eight civil parishes that make up the Archdiocese of New Orleans: Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. John, and Washington parishes, organization reps said.
The goal of the 2016 AHCA is to raise $1.8 million.
“It is an honor to chair the 2016 AHCA campaign,” said Fine. “I am inspired by Catholic Charities’ mission and the breadth of services and programs that serve our community’s most vulnerable. I feel called to do my part to raise awareness and support through the AHCA.”
The AHCA raises the crucial unrestricted funds that allow Catholic Charities to respond swiftly, effectively and compassionately to those most in need in times of crisis or disaster. Of every dollar contributed to the AHCA, 94 cents are spent directly on program services, care, and goods, reps said.
“In this year of Mercy, we are mindful that God has been merciful to us and we must extend that same mercy and compassion to others,” said Sr. Marjorie Hebert, president and CEO of Catholic Charities. “It is through the generosity of those who give gifts to the AHCA that Catholic Charities can assist so many individuals and families in need today, so they will be better off tomorrow.”
Catholic Charities’ comprehensive network of more than 30 ministries, programs, and community partnerships serve the homeless, hungry and elderly, at-risk youth, pregnant women, individuals with developmental delays, and many others.
In 2015, Catholic Charities:
• Served 71,197 people
• Enrolled 1,281 students in educational programs
• Served 1,311 women through pro-life and adoption services
• Cared for 486 mentally and physically disabled children and adults
• Provided for 502 homeless clients
The Archbishop’s Community Appeal (ACA) was started in 1965 by Archbishop Philip M. Hannan in the wake of Hurricane Betsy and in response to the overwhelming needs of the poor in New Orleans. In 2012, Archbishop Gregory Aymond and the Catholic Charities Board of Directors renamed this annual giving campaign in memory of Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, its founder, as a way of honoring his life’s legacy of service to the poor in our community. Today, the campaign raises funds for many of the same needs and challenges still facing our community.
