ROCKFORD—June 22 marked the official end of the Catholic Charities Auxiliary.

 

Formed in 1987, the Auxiliary had raised over $530,000 for children’s programs at Catholic Charities, mostly through its annual luncheon fundraiser, Caritas. The funds first helped foster children served by Catholic Charities. 

 

More recently, funds were raised in support of the children who are served by St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center in Rockford, which is run by Catholic Charities. The money raised provided computers, game room and kitchen improvements, and a school bus, nicknamed “Shorty,” for transportation to cultural and recreational events.  

 

“As they raised another $100,000 for St. Elizabeth at their annual lunches,” Charities’ director, Patrick Winn, says, “their only question was, ‘What can we do to help?’ ”

 

Jean Nosek, longtime treasurer of the auxiliary, wrote the letter to formally announce that the auxiliary board had decided to disband the organization, calling it a “difficult decision.”

 

Contributing factors included a decreasing board membership, the pandemic and resulting economic conditions “which have greatly impacted people’s ability to contribute,” and a declining number of core donors, Nosek said. 

 

The auxiliary’s final donation, for approximately $7,000, was given to purchase “four additional computers for the community center’s After School Homework Program, for the purchase of STEM education toys, and for the continuation of special enrichment programs and/or outings for the children,” Nosek’s letter said.

 

“We will miss their presence, their dedication, and their good cheer as they demonstrated deep beliefs that transcended their annual fundraising event,” Winn said. “These are exceptional women and Catholic Charities will always be grateful for their generosity and positive commitment to the community.  

 

“I’m glad to know that they will remain available as informal advisors as we continue our efforts ‘to serve God’s people for the common good with compassion, dignity and respect,’ as is called for in our Mission Statement,” he added.