“A truly magnificent response” was how drive chairman H. Hamilton Smith characterized the 1983 Charities Drive as the results coming in Sunday at the Chancery Office signaled success for the 13^th consecutive year. Said Smith, a Senior Vice President at Trust Company Bank, “the people of this Archdiocese have demonstrated once again their deep commitment to the Church’s ministry in our time.”

By 9 p.m. Sunday 82 percent of the $750,000 goal had been reported for a total of $615,000. This was an increase of $67,000 over last year and represents the largest single contribution received in one day in the 13-year history of the drive.

Not only was the early return at a record level of $615,000, there were also encouraging signs from the parishes of additional strength in the form of residual amounts to be received in the next two weeks.

Joseph J. Estafan, Archdiocesan Director of Finance, commenting on the results said, “The willingness of our people to give for the sake of the needy even in these difficult economic times, is a tribute to their generosity and deep faith.

Monsignor Jerry Hardy, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, was most heartened by the generous response. “We are especially grateful to the pastors, priests and parish workers,” said the Chancellor. “As usual the effort made by those in our parishes gave us the success that we needed.”

There was general agreement that the total goal of $750,000 would be received in record time.