‘Night at the Museum’ raises over $145K

After a difficult year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany honored its staff and volunteers June 17 at its ninth Annual “Night at the Museum” event and raised over $145,000, which will support its programs and services throughout the Diocese.

The virtual fundraiser was broadcast live from the Irish American Heritage Museum, and Catholic Charities’ staff and volunteers — or “CC Heroes” — were lauded for their unwavering commitment to serving the region’s most vulnerable individuals and families during the ongoing public health crisis.

“Our staff and volunteers have gone above and beyond in their mission to serve and care for others,” said Vincent W. Colonno, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. “For months, we have seen the needs of our communities grow and for months these heroes have worked hard to meet those needs. I am so proud of the work they have accomplished. It was an easy decision to honor them this year.”

Through the efforts of the staff and volunteers, more than 100,000 individuals received assistance from Catholic Charities last year, including housing, food services, emergency assistance, disabilities services and caregiver support, among other services.

The evening started with the panel discussion “COVID-19 & Housing Stability.” Panelists discussed housing in the Capital Region and beyond, including what resources are available for tenants and landlords who are struggling with arrears and mortgage payments. Panelists included: Lynn Glueckert, executive director of Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties, Adrian Charles Hill, community organizer, United Tenants of Albany and Kathleen Ide, former director of Supported Housing & Compliance for Catholic Charities Housing Office. Chris Onorato of NewsChannel 13 served as moderator.

Following the panel, a formal program paid tribute to Catholic Charities’ CC Heroes — the frontline staff, support staff and volunteers who helped to keep Catholic Charities programs open and operational as the region reeled from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our volunteers and staff in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties truly are heroes, working relentlessly in support of our neighbors,” Glueckert said. “Looking back at these past several months, I don’t know where we would be without them. I am thrilled to be able to honor them in this way, while also highlighting the continued needs within our communities, such as affordable housing and rental assistance.”

Videos from the virtual program can be found at https://vimeo.com/showcase/8583135.

Further details for this year’s Night at the Museum can be found at www.ccrcda.org.

About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany is one of the largest, private social services organizations in the region. Serving 14 counties around the Capital District across some 10,000 square miles, Catholic Charities serves and empowers all persons in need, regardless of race, creed, religion or lifestyle, as well as advocates for a just society and collaborates with women and men of good will. Last year, approximately 100,000 people turned to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany for assistance. Through the generous support of donors and the community, Catholic Charities was able to assist the poor and vulnerable with housing, food, emergency assistance, disabilities services, senior services and much more.