Cedar Crest Community of Catholics Donates $4000 to Local Shelter

On November 18, the Cedar Crest Community of Catholics (CCCC), a resident group at the active continuing care retirement community in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, gave Kathy DiFiore, founder and president of Several Sources Shelter, a $4,000 donation. Several Sources Shelter in Ramsey, New Jersey, provides expectant mothers living quarters, before, during and after the delivery of their baby.

CCCC consists of about 330 residents ministered to by Father Francis Kelly and is part of Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC) parish led by Father Steven Shadwell. Catholic Mass is held regularly at the Cedar Crest Interfaith Chapel on campus.

The CCCC fundraising committee, headed by Cedar Crest resident Ben Longo, provided empty baby bottles to those in attendance at the Catholic Mass on the weekends. Four weeks after distribution, the residents filled more than 150 baby bottles with change and checks earmarked for Several Sources Shelter for a total of $4,000. This same Fundraising event was conducted the previous two years raising $2,500 in 2015, and $4,000 in 2016 for Several Sources Shelter highlighting the generosity of the Catholics at Cedar Crest.

In addition to this event, the CCCC provides donations throughout the year for the Paterson Diocese for distribution to St. Gerard’s and St Therese’s Church (poor parishes designated by the Bishop), the Seminarian Fund and a tithing donation to Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC). The CCCC also provides donations to other local charities including the Pequannock Food Pantry.

Cedar Crest is one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. The scenic 130-acre campus is located in Pompton Plains, New Jersey and is home to over 1,800 residents. The community offers abundant amenities, hundreds of clubs and activities, on-site restaurants, a state-of-the-art medical center, an all-season pool and a fitness center.

Photo: Cedar Crest Resident Helen Longo, Father Francis Kelly, Kathy DiFiore holding baby Sofia, and Cedar Crest resident Ben Longo