#iGiveCatholic Sets National Record

Overcoming a pandemic that has stymied global economies, the annual #iGiveCatholic campaign was a success.

Nationally, #iGiveCatholic on Dec. 1 recorded a record number of donations, raising $12.7 million.

Numbers were also impressive in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, even with about half of the traditional organizations not participating. The 13 participating organizations raised a collective $99,653, impressive when considering the total a year ago with 26 participating organizations that barely topped $125,450.

“This was an amazing feat despite being in the midst of a pandemic,” said Tamika Edwards-Raby, Coordinator of Stewardship Services.

“We are so grateful to everyone who donated,” said Edwards-Raby, who coordinated the campaign for the Office of Stewardship. “Baton Rouge is widely known for its generosity and this year only enhances that reputation.

“Our donors have provided a beacon of hope during some difficult and dark days. We are humbled by their generosity.”

St. Jean Vianney Church in Baton Rouge raised the most funds, collecting $44,718, far surpassing the goal of $20,000. The money was generated through 141 donors.

The funds are scheduled to go toward the installation of a new digital sign for the parish that will assist people in locating the church as well as announcing events for the parish and the school.

Women’s New Life Center in Baton Rouge was second in donations, followed by St. John/St. Theresa Middle School in Gonzales and St. George Church in Baton Rouge. 

Nationally, the nearly $13 million raised came from more than 48,000 donors, smashing previous records. At a rate of 24.7 gifts per minute, 48,273 donors in all 50 states gave $12,703,973 to benefit 2,600 Catholic church parishes, schools and non-profit ministries through #iGiveCatholic. Donations also came from people in 12 other countries in support of these U.S. Catholic organizations. In 2019, #iGiveCatholic raised $7.4 million from approximately 23,000 donors. 

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of so many people across this country and throughout the world,” said Cory J. Howat, president of #iGiveCatholic. “These gifts will be used to meet the spiritual, physical and educational needs that exist every year but are especially acute during this  time of global suffering.” 

Mercedez Rassi, Director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas, a mission diocese, said the funds raised this year through #iGiveCatholic will be especially helpful to a community that has been devastated by the oil crash resulting, in part, from the pandemic. “Last year, we raised $2,200, and this year we received $145,000. We are so grateful for the generous response from our donors,” Rassi said. 

For more information about #iGiveCatholic, or to view the full list of results (sortable by archdiocese/diocese, organization, total gifts or total dollars), visit iGiveCatholic.org. Next year’s Giving Day is set for #GivingTuesday, Nov. 30, 2021.