Press Contact:
Rafael Gerena
rgerena@cfocf.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Orlando, FL
The Central Florida community generously partnered with The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida to raise more than $40,000 in one occasion to support 88 parishes, schools and ministries who are serving in new ways since the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic.
The donations were part of this month’s GivingTuesdayNOW philanthropy movement, which The Catholic Foundation rebranded as GivingCatholicNOW. The philanthropic efforts were in response to the needs created by the outbreak.
The ministries include Catholic parishes and retreat centers which are ministering to families and individuals who are challenged with isolation and job insecurity. Catholic schools were largely supported as they have adapted to continue to provide Central Florida students with a rigorous academic education. Bishop Grady Villas, which provides independent living and employment training for adults with disabilities, was also supported. Donor support during the pandemic has allowed ministries such as Catholic Charities to meet the increased needs caused by the pandemic with food supplies, housing assistance and behavioral health services. GivingCatholicNow donations supported Catholic Charities general operations as well as the The Catholic Foundation’s recently launched Central Florida Catholic Mercy fund for this specific purpose. Catholic Charities services, as well as the ministries of the parishes and schools throughout Central Florida, assist people regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of generosity responding to the needs created by Covid-19. This response shows that charity is alive and well even in these unprecedented times,” says Kimberlee Riley, The Catholic Foundation’s President & CEO. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude from our community’s response to this crisis and the opportunity to come together to serve others.”
Last year, The Foundation partnered with generous donors to distribute a record of more than $2 million, providing resources to improve the quality of life for thousands of children, youth, adults, families and vulnerable populations throughout the region.
ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
The Catholic Foundation inspires and increases giving to fund God’s work and impact lives throughout the Diocese of Orlando’s nine-county area. Established in 2008, The Catholic Foundation is an independent, nonprofit foundation that has worked with donors and pastors to support our community. Its assets of more than $50 million in investments are managed for growth and to respect Catholic social teaching. We help individuals and organizations engage in philanthropy in a faith-filled way through socially screened investment options. As a proven trustworthy philanthropic organization to give to and give through, we have received the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency.