Annual Catholic Charities Set for July 23 $100,000 Donation Match

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas is seeking to match its record during this year’s annual fundraiser and has opened a thrift store at its new office location.

Anonymous donors have given $100,000 as matching gifts, which is the highest amount ever, said Michelle Martin, executive director.

“The goal is to get this matched so we can continue to offer our variety of services to individuals in our 31-county area,” she said.

Last year, $294,000 was raised through sponsorships and donations.

The event will be 5 to 7:30 p.m. July 23 at the Salina County Club. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and a presentation is scheduled for 6.

Deadline for reservations is Monday by calling Catholic Charities at 825-0208, emailing [email protected] or online at ccnks.org.

Eric Frank, development director, said the idea is to show donors what Catholic Charities has done during the year.

“At the same time, we will cast a vision on where we’re going and ask for their continued support to help us get there,” he said.

A video of Catholic Charities clients giving testimonials will be shown, Martin said.

Auction set

A live auction will feature such items as 50-yard-line, mezzanine-level tickets to the Kansas State University football game vs. Charlotte; a two-night stay at a Kansas City condo during the Christmas season with a $200 gift certificate to Kansas City’s Gram & Dun gastropub; and a landscaping package for a 10-by-10 stone patio and grand waterfall, including installation. A complete list of auction items is available online at ccnks.org.

“We want this night to be about our donors. We want to say thank you and we want them to leave feeling like their donations are making a difference, because they are,” Frank said. “Without them and their willingness to help those in need, Catholic Charities wouldn’t be here.”

A new look

In April, Catholic Charities moved to 1500 S. Ninth.

In an effort to reach more people, the organization also has expanded its hours. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

“The biggest reason we did this is if you’re trying to work and make a living, you’re sometimes going to be at a job where you can’t take off during the day,” Martin said. “By being open in the evenings and on the weekend, we’re giving those individuals who may seek our services an opportunity to do so.”

New thrift store

The move also allowed Catholic Charities to open a thrift store in June at its office facility.

The thrift store, which is open to the public, operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Catholic Charities clients receive vouchers for needed items.

“We’re hoping the thrift store will generate revenue to contribute to the services and programs we have in place,” Martin said.

Martin said the thrift store is open only three days a week because of a lack of volunteers.

To volunteer, call 825-0208, email [email protected] or go online to ccnks.org.