This year, over $1 million has been distributed to 246 community-based charities , thanks to Archdiocese of Hartford's Archbishop's Annual Appeal.

On Oct. 20, a crowd of 500 attended a celebration in Branford hosted by the Archdiocese, which capped the evening with the delivery of three $10,000 donations, including one for Branford-based Community Dining Room (CDR).The appeal also contributed $3,200 to Branford Food Pantry.

The "God's Mercy at Work" 2016 Donor Dinner of Appreciation was held at Woodwinds and opened with St. Mary's School of Branford's Fife & Drum Corps playing for guests as they entered.

The 2016 Archbishop's Annual Appeal also assisted non-profits in neighboring Guilford, including $10,000 donated to Guilford Interfaith Ministries. The appeal's third $10,000 gift recipient of 2016 is Master's Manna of Wallingford.

On Oct. 20, CDR Executive Director Judith Barron gratefully received an oversized check from Archbishop Leonard P. Blair marking the $10,000 donation.

"The Community Dining Room strives for a healthy, safe and prosperous community," said Archbishop Blair. "It plays a crucial role in doing so with a continuing mission of over 30 years to end hunger and isolation with food, fellowship, referrals and education to the shoreline community."

Barron said the contribution will provide a huge assist to CDR, located in the Patricia C. Andriole Volunteer Services Building on Harrison Avenue.

Assisting residents from East Haven to Old Saybrook, non-profit CDR serves over 4,500 meals each  month and offers several outreach programs.

"Hunger continues to be real in our shoreline community," said Barron. "The Community Dining Room is so thankful to the Archbishop's Annual Appeal to receive this money to continue the necessary nutritional support to fight food insecurity in our community."

According to information supplied by the Archdiocese of Hartford, since 1981, the Archbishop's Annual Appeal Vicariate Outreach Program has helped "tens of thousands of people regardless of race, religion, or color" across the Archdiocese. The appeal helps organizations providing health care, education, housing, emergency expenses and other needs.

The generosity of its donors, allows program to provide continued support of community-based charities in counties overseen by the Archdiocese of Hartford, including the counties of Hartford, New Haven and Litchfield.