BUFFALO, N.Y., April 15, 2014 – The Most Reverend Richard J. Malone, bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, provided his second report on the progress of the annual Catholic Charities of Buffalo Appeal today, revealing $8,886,816.65 has been raised to date, as Catholic Charities officials marked the close of Appeal Week 2014.

Today’s total represents 82.3 percent of the final goal, which is trending slightly ahead of last year at this time when 80.2 percent of goal was reached. Funds raised for Appeal 2014 support Catholic Charities’ 70 programs and services offered across 61 sites throughout the eight-county region. The annual campaign runs through June 30 and carries a goal of $10.8 million.

During Appeal Week, which ran from April 6-13, parish volunteers and pastors across Western New York led a concerted effort to gather donations, and participated in fundraising activities in order to bring the Appeal closer to its final goal.

Catholic Charities of Buffalo will give away a generously donated 1999 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King motorcycle. All proceeds will benefit the 70 programs and services of Catholic Charities, including education and work readiness, counseling, basic assistance, and programs for older adults.

The motorcycle, with an approximate retail value of $8,000, was given to Catholic Charities by an anonymous donor. It is a touring motorcycle with two cylinders, four-stroke, 1450 cc, fenders and a Jimmy Buffett Parrot head mural on the tank (2-sided) and other detailing.

Only 200 tickets will be sold at $100 each and the drawing will be held at noon on May 9, 2014 at Catholic Charities Montante Administrative Center, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.

Heritage Preservation is pleased to announce that Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village has been chosen to participate in the 2014 Conservation Assessment Program (CAP). BNHV joins the 2,800 museums that have participated in CAP in its 22 year history of serving museums.