Bishop's Appeal tops $3.8 million

Bishop's Appeal 2001 has topped the 90% mark. The drive has received more than $3.86 million from 47,754 donors--92.5% of the $4,177,744 target.

The total includes gifts from 7,215 people who had not given to the 2000 Appeal.

"The response was good," said Ron Shaha, assistant director of Stewardship and Development. "We were especially pleased with the number of gifts from new donors, which was more than in recent years."

The Crozier Society continues to grow. Membership increased by 242 people in 2001. Donations from Crozier Society members, those who give $500 or more a year to the Bishop's Appeal, totaled $838,959.29--22% of the total amount received.

"We have made an effort to increase awareness of the Crozier Society and have been asking people to consider it," said Shaha.

Bishop's Appeal 2001 marked the second year in which people had the option to pay by credit card. Shaha reports that 984 people used this method this year, up from 721 in 2000.

While the number of gifts increased from last year, the average gift did not. Shaha reports that the average gift in 2001 was $80.06 compared to $80.97 in 2000. The average credit card gift did increase significantly from $122.02 last year to $154.14 in 2001.

So far 61 parishes have met or exceeded their target.

"Gifts are still coming in from parishes," said Shaha. "The campaign in essence is over, but we encourage people to continue sending in their gifts."

Gifts from the Bishop's Appeal help fund education, counseling programs, community services, missions, training of priests and lay leaders, The Compass and hundreds of ministries throughout the diocese.

"I'm thankful to everyone who has given to Bishop's Appeal 2001," said Bp. Robert Banks. "Without your generosity, the church of Green Bay would not be able to continue helping people in need."