By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
With three more months to go on the 2017-2018 Bishop’s Circle appeal, the annual diocesan large-donor campaign is two-thirds of the way to its $350,000 goal.
As of March 22, it has collected $230,000, 10 percent more than the appeal received at this time last year, said Mark Clark, director of the diocesan Stewardship and Development office, which runs the campaign.
Clark also reported a total of 720 Bishop’s Circle donors as of March 22, up 15 percent from this time last year. The goal for the number of donors is 1,000, the same as last year.
While more gifts have come in, Clark said, the average amount for each is $320, slightly lower than this time last year.
The appeal runs from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018. The goal is $350,000, the same as the last two years. The first appeal letter from Bishop Larry Silva was sent last October. A follow up letter was sent in December.
“Support for the Bishop’s Circle remains strong,” Clark said. “And with a generous response by the faithful this Easter Season, I am hopeful the appeal will exceed previous years.”
The Bishop’s Circle was originally created more than 30 years ago by Bishop Joseph A. Ferrario. Since Bishop Silva reintroduced the fundraiser in 2013, the number of donors has more than doubled.
Here are the figures from previous campaigns:
- 2013-2014: $201,400 collected from 312 donors
- 2014-2015: $253,300 collected from 466 donors
- 2015-2016: $307,600 collected from 672 donors
- 2016-2017: $301,000 collected from 721 donors
The campaign is primarily an appeal for large donations, although any amount will be accepted.
The Bishop’s Circle has six gift categories: Stewards of the Gospel for donations of $20,000 or more; Our Lady of Peace Society for gifts of $10,000-$19,999; St. Damien/St. Marianne Society for gifts of $5,000-$9,999; Joseph Dutton Society for gifts of $2,500-$4,999; Witness to Jesus Society for gifts of $1,000-$2,499; and the Catholic Ohana Society for gifts of $500-$999.
The bishop hosts an appreciation event every year for donor society members. He will also say a special Mass for all contributors to this year’s appeal.
Donations may be made online at catholichawaii.org.
For more information, visit catholichawaii.org/stewardship or call the Stewardship Office at 203-6723.