Published on September 9, 2016

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans is proud to introduce Mr. Paul L. Fine as the 2016 Chairman of the Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal (AHCA). Mr. Fine, who was born and raised in New Orleans, has been married to his wife, Mary Beth, for 30 years. The two have five children – Peyton, 22; Patrick, 19; William, 17; Michael Paul, 12; and Kathryn, 10.

Over 25 years ago, Catholic Charities invited a host of young individuals, including the Fines, on a bus tour to bring awareness of our programs and services to a younger generation. Those who had supported Catholic Charities’ work since the time of Archbishop Hannan’s summer swim program for disadvantaged youth were now growing older, and the tradition of service and giving would soon be in the hands of the next generation. The tour visited several programs, including a Food for Families/Food for Seniors distribution center and a summer volunteer site.

“We were impressed with the breadth of services being provided,” Mr. Fine recalls. Following the bus tour, the Fines signed on as AHCA volunteers, helping raise undesignated funds to serve the most vulnerable in our community and spread the word about the mission and work of Catholic Charities.

(L to R) Joe Toomy, Paul Fine, Jack Jensen and JT Hannan

In 2003, Mr. Fine was appointed to Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors. During his tenure as a Board member, he visited many Catholic Charities programs and truly got to know the clients we serve. His most moving experience, he says, was visiting Padua Pediatrics. “It was heartbreaking to see the kids so totally dependent on the people providing care to them. At the same time, it was uplifting to see God’s hand working through the dedicated staff who lovingly face the challenge of taking care of the Padua patients every day.”

Mr. Fine served as Chair of the Board of Directors and continued to be amazed at the extent of Catholic Charities’ services, from adult day health care to full service community centers, Head Start programs, refugee relief services, abused women’s homes and everything in between. Of his time serving in Catholic Charities’ leadership, Mr. Fine says, “I met many amazing people and was inspired by their dedication to serving the poor and vulnerable in our community.”

While he no longer serves on Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors, Mr. Fine has continued to stay involved over the years. He will lead the AHCA campaign into its 51st year of serving the poor, vulnerable and struggling in our community. “My family is very blessed, and I know that we are called to share our gifts with others,” he commented.

Catholic Charities and Mr. Fine are excited for what is sure to be another wonderfully successful campaign and a true testament to the lasting legacy of Archbishop Hannan.

The Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal (AHCA) is an annual, volunteer-driven fundraising campaign which supports the work of Catholic Charities. The campaign was started in 1965 by Archbishop Philip M. Hannan in the wake of Hurricane Betsy and in response to the overwhelming needs of the poor in New Orleans. Gifts to the AHCA raise crucial undesignated funds that allow Catholic Charities to respond swiftly, effectively and compassionately to those most in need.