Bishop's Charitable Assistance Fund Raises Record Amount

The co-chairs of the annual campaign to benefit the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund announced to a gathering of donors that this year marked a new high point in contributions.

Thomas and Devin Farrelly reported that more than $210,000 had been raised and will be used to assist organizations that serve those most in need.

At a reception held at Trudel House in Manchester, The Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester, thanked the more than 400 guests for their generosity and support in helping him and the Board of Directors of the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund to reach out across the state. The origins of the BCAF date to 1985 and more than $5.5 million has been raised to enable the Catholic Church to provide assistance to non-profit organizations addressing basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, heat, medicine and health issues.

Thomas and Devin Farrelly, residents of Rye, co-chaired the campaign for 2014. Along with a committee of volunteers, they developed contributions from donors in all parts of the state. Donors contributing $500 and above are invited to attend the Summer Reception held at the official residence of the Bishop of Manchester, Trudel House.

“One of the biggest benefits of this position,” said Tom Farrelly, “is that we are able to visit with the organizations who receive grants. Many of these non-profits are small organizations without professional fundraising staff. Our grant can often make the difference between a new program starting or keeping people waiting for assistance. It is only because we have such generous supporters that we are able to make these grants.”

The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund is a not-for-profit organization within the Catholic Church in New Hampshire. The Fund enables the Bishop of Manchester, through a board of directors, to make grants to not-for-profit organizations without regard to religious affiliation for projects that help people in New Hampshire meet their basic needs. Volunteer lay men and women, who serve as Directors, make recommendations to the Bishop of Manchester for grants with an emphasis on meeting basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, heat and other necessities. The grants go to organizations in New Hampshire whose mission and operations are consistent with the mission of the Roman Catholic Church.

Photo caption: Bishop Peter A. Libasci, Devin Farrelly and Tom Farrelly, co-chairs of the 2014 Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund Campaign, celebrate the achievement of raising over $210,000 to support non-profit organizations in New Hampshire.

Submitted content. Courtesy photo.