Phila. Archbishop Kicks Off Annual Fundraising For Catholic Charities

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia archbishop Charles Chatput today announced the launch of the biggest fundraiser of the year to benefit Catholic charities.

The 2014 Catholic Charities Appeal is now underway.   There are more than 80 programs that help  more than 200,000 people, regardless of faith, each year.

Last year, $10 million was raised to support efforts that included community food cupboards, senior centers, hospices, and educational programs for children and adults with disabilities.

Patricia DiGiuseppe's daughter Shannon is now a third-grader at Saint Lucy Day School for Children  with Visual Impairments, in the Juniata section of the city.  The school provides spiritual and educational instruction.

Shannon developed a brain tumor and became blind at age four.

"The Catholic Charities Appeal has helped support Saint Lucy's," DiGiuseppe said today.  "Through Saint Lucy's we were given hope -- hope for our daughter's future."

More information on the fundraiser is available at catholiccharitiesappeal.org.

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