BUFFALO — As of 4:30 p.m. Friday, the second annual Catholic Charities day of giving, now called HOPE Day, being held Friday throughout Western New York to benefit the 2019 Appeal, has now reached a total of $323,130. This total will increase by another $147,000 in matching funds for a total of $470,130.

“Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community, including individual, parish and corporate donors, HOPE Day 2019 is demonstrating Western New York’s commitment to helping their fellow neighbors in need find hope,” said John and Ruthanne Daly, 2019 Appeal co-chairs. “Your support goes a long way in impacting the lives of more than 150,000 Western New Yorkers — Catholic and non-Catholics alike — in receiving much needed programs and services. We are extremely grateful!”

The 2019 Appeal has now raised $8,417,163 or 76.5% of this year’s goal since it began in January. Donations can continue to be made securely online at give.ccwny.org/hope or by calling 716-218-1400 through June 30.

The theme of this year’s Appeal is “Help Your Neighbor Find Hope” and the patron saint is St. Faustina.