Why We Give

Chris and Jan Welp know by supporting Catholic Charities they are directly impacting and uplifting those who are struggling in our community.

Chris was first introduced to Catholic Charities in 1982. He shared he got more involved in the organization in 2016 after meeting with the Executive Director at the time and one of the program directors.

“It was in this initial meeting where I got to learn a lot more about Catholic Charities and the work being done through their different program areas,” said Chris. “All programs offered at Catholic Charities are very important in their own, different way, ultimately helping people in need, sometimes those in dire need.”

Shortly after that meeting Chris joined the Catholic Charities Board of Directors and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the board. He expressed his favorite part has been learning about the tremendous impact Catholic Charities’ programs have on the community along with getting to work alongside the dedicated Catholic Charities team.

“It’s inspiring to see how much they care and how hard they work,” said Chris. “Catholic Charities is able to do a tremendous amount with what I consider to be very little.”

Chris also acknowledges his hope to do more to help those who are struggling.

Catholic Charities recently announced a new fundraising initiative in a line with the organization’s 100 year anniversary. The Catholic Charities Centennial Fund was established to address the growing needs clients face and to elevate and expand the organization’s programs. When Chris and Jan heard about this new initiative, they knew they wanted to be involved.

“Jan and I saw supporting the Centennial Fund as an excellent opportunity to allow Catholic Charities to go above and beyond what they are currently doing to better serve those in need,” said Chris.

Chris and Jan encourage others to support the Catholic Charities Centennial Fund and the transformational work being done at the organization every day.

“Catholic Charities helps in so many ways that aren’t obvious to people,” said Chris. “I suggest people take five minutes to really look at the different programs provided and I am sure they will find something that strikes a chord with them and that they will feel very good about supporting those causes.”

For more information on the Catholic Charities Centennial fund, visit catholiccharitiesdm.org/donate-centennial-fund.

For more information on how you can support Catholic Charities and the individuals and families being served, contact Director of Development, Bobbi Jo Smith, at 515-237-5064 or bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org.