Day of Giving raises record donations, Catholic social service agencies benefit

Catholic social service organizations received nearly a quarter million dollar boost to their budgets as a result of the Coastal Bend Day of Giving held on Nov. 18. The event was made possible by a matching pledge of $560,000 made by south Texas foundations.

"It was a day for the record books," Sue Jackson, director of grants for the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, said in a letter to participating groups. "In spite of 'technical problems', you rallied your donors, friends, etc. and raised an incredible $999,116.25. Including the match, you will receive donations totaling $1,559,116.25.

Thirty-five non-profit agencies participated in the online fundraising drive. Each was guaranteed a dollar for dollar match up to $16,000.

The participating Catholic groups, and their amounts raised, include the Ark Assessment Center & Emergency Shelter for Youth, $49,199.73; Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, $60,407.47; Corpus Christi Hope House, $35,593.53; and Mother Teresa Shelter, $63,836.95. All four exceeded the minimum needed for the full match and each received $16,000 match.

"Your gifts make our ministry possible. Thank you from all the staff and on behalf the nearly 200,000 clients served each year through Catholic Charities and the Mother Teresa Shelter," Linda Mckamie, executive director of Catholic Charities, said.

"It was truly a wonderful event and a record number of donations," said Ray Reeves, chairman of Corpus Christi's Hope House, which is in the process of adding on to their Faith Home Shelter.