As of last month, The Bishop’s Circle fundraising campaign collected nearly $240,000 from 400 donors, a 20 percent increase over what was received in last year’s appeal, according to the diocesan director of stewardship and development Mark Clark.
More than 150 of the donors are “donor society members,” making donations in one of five gift categories: Our Lady of Peace Society for gifts of $10,000 or more; St. Damien/St. Marianne Society $5,000-$9,999; Joseph Dutton Society $2,500-$4,999; Witness to Jesus Society $1,000-$2,499; and the Catholic Ohana Society $500-$999.
Although The Bishop’s Circle is mainly an appeal for large donations, “all gifts are important and help support our diocesan mission in service to others, especially social services, faith formation and vocations,” said Clark.
Bishop Larry Silva mailed his first round of Bishop’s Circle appeal letters last November to the more than 300 who contributed to the previous year’s appeal. More letters followed to a broader audience. This year’s effort ends on June 30.
Last year’s contributions met the Circle’s $200,000 goal. This year’s goal is $300,000.
Bishop Joseph A. Ferrario started the Bishop’s Circle about 25 years ago. Bishop Silva put it on hold in 2009 when the diocese launched the more expansive With Grateful Hearts capital campaign.
The bishop reintroduced the appeal in November 2013 with an invitation letter to about 3,000 Catholics.
Donations are accepted online at catholichawaii.org or by checks mailed to The Bishop’s Circle, 1184 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813.
For more information on gift options, call Mark Clark at 203-6723.
