Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, will kick off the Champions for Catholic Charities campaign, a new fundraiser that replaces three annual fundraisers — the Flame of Charity Dinner, Bread & Roses Ball and Golf Classic — and is designed to attract the attention of a broader audience.
Helping individuals and families in need through its confidential social services, Catholic Charities is one of the first to respond when disaster strikes to provide emergency aid and long-term recovery assistance for victims.
“It’s time for Catholic Charities to step into the spotlight,” Executive Director Mar- ianne Majewski said. “That’s why we are launching the Champions for Catholic Charities campaign. Our hope is that we will not only increase our ability to raise funds, but will also be spreading the word about the many and varied programs and services we offer.
“The campaign is also an open invitation to those seeking assistance; we are letting them know that we serve all people, regardless of religion or ethnicity.”
As one of the largest social service agencies in New Jersey, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, offers over 100 programs to serve the people of the four-county diocese: Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren.
The nonprofit agency supports initiatives that provide people in need with services such as housing/search advocacy, residential services for youth, material needs/disaster relief, behavioral health services, parenting education, services for the disabled, substance abuse programs and inhome services for abused/neglected youth. In an appeal asking individuals and corporations to become Champions for Catholic Charities participants, Majewski said those who do so would be a champion for the oppressed and underprivileged. She added that by supporting Catholic Charities, champions help the homeless, feed hungry children and assist families in crisis.
“There’s been a 25 percent increase in the need for child and family counseling,” Majewski said. “And the latest census report shows that poverty in New Jersey is increasing. With 15.4 percent of our children living in poverty, the needs are critical.”
In 2013, with the support of sponsors, donors and volunteers, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, provided more than 145,000 hours of counseling services for children, families and individuals to meet the increasing needs of families in crisis.
To become a Champion for Catholic Charities, individuals and corporate partners can choose from several options. In addition to sponsorship opportunities, tribute gifts may be made in memory or in honor of a loved one.
Tickets for a champion 50/50 raffle are available for purchase for $100. Two grandprize winners will equally share 50 percent of the proceeds. If all tickets are sold, two winners have the potential of winning $375,000 each. The drawing will take place during a wine-and-cheese reception 7-9 p.m. Dec. 17 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway.
To purchase a raffle ticket or to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities that help to support the Champion for Catholic Charities campaign, visit www.diometuchen.org/champions, email champions@diometuchen.org or call 732 562-2438.
To learn more about the services offered by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, visit www.ccdom.org.