WASHINGTON, DC — Since Giving Tuesday—Dec. 2—the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), has raised more than $140,000 through the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable-giving organization, #iGiveCatholic. Donors may still contribute at www.milarch.org/donate.
So far, 492 generous benefactors have given to the annual campaign, setting new records for both the amount raised and donor participation. Compared to last year, contributions are up by 70%, and the number of donors, up by 22 percent.
Proceeds will support AMS ministry to Catholics in all branches of the United States Military, the nation’s Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers, and federal contractors beyond U.S. borders.
AMS Executive Director of Advancement Salvador Perez says giving was galvanized this year by a dollar-for-dollar matching gift of $62,000 from two anonymous donors and the Open Gate Catholic Community in Kuwait.
“This #GivingTuesday, our generous supporters joined the AMS and over 1,400 Catholic organizations to #iGiveCatholic,” Mr. Perez said. “Their participation in the #iGiveCatholic campaign directly strengthens our mission and makes a lasting impact on the lives of service members, veterans, and their families. We are profoundly grateful for their support and can reassure them that the AMS works diligently to be good stewards of their trust and generosity.”
Giving Tuesday takes place in the U.S. each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. #iGiveCatholic is a bishop-led initiative in collaboration with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and dozens of individual dioceses nationwide to bring the Catholic community together to inspire and support generosity on Giving Tuesday.