WASHINGTON, March 24, 2021 — As part of their commitment to the capital campaign of
the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, 103 young professionals have joined
the 83.33 Society, signaling the engagement of a new demographic in philanthropy.
The 83.33 Society is a social investment in the Washington community by some of the area’s top
emerging leaders. A small, forward-thinking group of young professionals set out to engage their
peers in charitable giving and volunteering with Catholic Charities DC. Their efforts were met
with success, as the group has exceeded its goal of 100 members.
As members of the society, the young philanthropists commit to making a donation of $83.33 a
month or $1,000 annually. The donation is the equivalent of $2.75 a day — the cost of feeding a
person who is homeless a Cup of Joe breakfast. Additionally, the group makes a difference in the
community through volunteerism, mentorship and education — another way a younger
generation is changing philanthropy.
Over five years, the 83.33 Society will contribute more than one-half million dollars to Catholic
Charities DC’s fundraising campaign. Because of them and others, more than $99 million has
been raised toward a goal of $100 million.
The commitment of the 83.33 Society represents a shift in the engagement of young
professionals in philanthropy, from occasional donations to sustained support and lasting
relationships. “These members of the 83.33 Society are the future of philanthropy in our
community,” President and CEO Msgr. John J. Enzler said.
“Catholic Charities is in the business of saying ‘Yes’ to those in need — regardless of social,
economic or religious background. Who would not want to support an organization that is
making a difference each day?” said Chris Connolly, a founding member.
Connolly said his family’s participation is tied to their interest in passing along to their children
the values and morals their parents instilled in them. “We fundamentally believe that a lot of
good can be accomplished by getting many like-minded people together to achieve a common
goal.”
In a video released for the capital campaign, 83.33 founding member Matt Carroccio said, “The
83.33 Society is a great opportunity for young professionals to get involved with Catholic Charities. …
And it’s fun. You’re going to be able to have a great time with other people. The reason you are there is
that you’re all focused on helping the people in our town who need our help.”
Money raised in the “Our Community. Our Commitment. Our Legacy.” campaign will allow Catholic
Charities DC to continue important programming, add state-of-the-art services for newcomers to the
community, and plan for the future. The campaign supports three priorities:
- Commitment to Service Excellence — A $50 million investment in existing programs that
address the basic needs of the poor, as well as build a foundation for stability and a pathway out
of poverty. An additional $5 million will be used to integrate the new Compass program into
the portfolio of care. - Leaving a Legacy — A $30 million investment in the Catholic Charities’ endowment will
double the endowment’s value and provide an immediate impact by supporting current operations
and create long-term resources for programs. - Our Community of Newcomers — $15 million will be invested in the launch of the first-of-its kind Newcomer Network to improve the lives of thousands of vulnerable immigrants in the
region.
For more information on the 83.33 Society or to join, visit Catholic Charities DC’s website.
Media: To schedule an interview, contact Kate Kennedy of Catholic Charities DC’s
communications department at Kate.Kennedy@cc-dc.org or 703-201-5139.
About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
Catholic Charities DC is the largest independent social services agency in the Metropolitan D.C.
area. As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Washington, Catholic Charities DC invests in
communities by providing critical services to hundreds of thousands of people in need
throughout the District of Columbia and Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert and St.
Mary’s counties in Maryland. The organization works tirelessly to give help that empowers and
hope that lasts to those it serves regardless of background, belief or circumstance. For more
information, visit www.catholiccharitiesdc.org and follow us on social media @CCADW