Giving Through Philanthropy: Faith into Action

 

At Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #4, we believe that a faith is hollow unless it is lived out in service to others.

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Our motto—Promote Friendship, Preserve Unity, and Practice Christian Charity—is not just a slogan on the wall of our meeting halls; it is a mandate for how we operate in the world. We were founded in the 19th century to protect and support vulnerable Irish immigrants who had nowhere else to turn. Today, that legacy continues as we recognize our duty to support those in need within our current community.

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We don't just talk about making a difference. We translate our faith into tangible action, raising thousands of dollars annually to ensure we leave our community better than we found it.

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Our philanthropic efforts focus on three key pillars:

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1. Supporting Our Local Community and Neighbors in Need

 

Charity begins at home. We are deeply committed to supporting the immediate area where our members live and worship. We recognize that even in prosperous times, many of our neighbors are struggling.

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We provide substantial financial support and volunteer hours to local organizations that serve the most vulnerable among us. This includes:

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• Combating Hunger: Regular support for local food banks and parish pantries (such as Manna on Main.  Street, The Hibernian Hunger Project, and Aid for Friends) to ensure local families do not go hungry. Because of the Irish experience during the Great Hunger, battling food insecurity is near and dear to uour hearts.

• Emergency Aid: providing ad-hoc assistance during times of local crisis or natural disaster or to individual families called to our attention.

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2. Investing in the Future: Catholic Education

 

We believe in the vital importance of Catholic education to form the next generation of leaders in faith and values. We are committed to ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent a deserving student from receiving a Catholic education.

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Our Division raises significant funds annually to provide:

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• High School Scholarships: Awarding financial aid to graduating 8th graders entering local Catholic high schools.

• Grade School Support: Assisting our local parish schools with specific needs.

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3. Honoring Our Heritage: Irish Charitable Causes

 

As Hibernians, we maintain a unique connection to our ancestral homeland and the wider Irish diaspora. We support causes that preserve our culture and promote justice in Ireland.

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We actively contribute to national AOH initiatives, such as:

• Freedom For All Ireland (FFAI): Supporting charities in the North of Ireland that work toward peace, justice, and a united Ireland.

• Project St. Patrick: Providing financial support to seminarians and religious studying for the priesthood and religious life.

• Local Irish Culture: Supporting local Irish dance schools, cultural centers, and Irish studies programs.

• Supporting Other Divisions: Just as no one man can do it alone, no division can either. We support our brother divisions in their charitable efforts as well.

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How We Make an Impact

 

How do we raise these funds? We turn fellowship into philanthropy.

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Nearly every major social event our division hosts has a charitable component. When we gather for our annual golf outings, run our annual Chili Contest and Cheesesteak Night or host a beef-and-beer fundraiser, we are having a good time for a serious purpose.

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We work hard to ensure that the money we raise goes directly to the causes that need it most, minimizing overhead to maximize impact. When you support a Division #4 event, you are directly supporting these vital pillars of charity.