It took volunteers more than two years to coordinate the $2.3 million St. Vincent de Paul capital campaign set to start on Saturday.

But organizers of project "Beacon of Hope" fear that effort could be undermined by last week’s bankruptcy filing by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland.

"People need to know we’re not associated with the archdiocese in any matter whatsoever," said Bill Schueller, president and director of the Medford branch of the charity.

Schueller and other organizers got worried last week when a volunteer fund-raiser quit his post as a team leader.

His resignation came within hours of Archbishop John Vlazny’s announcement July 6 that the Portland archdiocese would seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to avoid huge settlements in pending priest sex-abuse trials.

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The volunteer, Ed Rove, said Wednesday that the bankruptcy had nothing to do with his decision to stick to kitchen duties rather than fund raising.

"I decided at this time in my life that’s not something I care to do," he said.

But the incident highlighted fears of possible repercussions for Catholic-affiliated agencies.

Vlazny’s timing dismayed St. Vincent de Paul representatives, who are launching their first-ever campaign aimed at expanding services for the poor.

More than $350,000 already has been raised for the project that will double the size of the agency’s thrift store and homeless shelter and renovate a dining room, social service offices and parking lots.

That leaves about $2 million to be acquired through a four-part fund-raising plan that includes in-kind donation of construction materials, solicitation from local business leaders, targeted grant writing and a "buy-a-square-foot" community campaign.

Organizers worry that potential donors will be reluctant to give if they believe their funds could be tapped in bankruptcy proceedings.

"So many people think St. Vincent is part of the archdiocese," said Kathy Morgan, a key volunteer. "We are not one of their assets. We don’t get money from them. We don’t give money to them. We are our own 501(c)3 nonprofit."

Schueller has spent the past week distancing St. Vincent de Paul from the archdiocese. He has appeared on local radio and television stations and he spoke last week to members of three local Catholic parishes. He also has fielded a number of phone calls, mostly from supporters.

"The message I was trying to get across is that we are a Catholic organization, but over 50 percent of our volunteers are not of that faith," he said.

The nation’s first announcement that a Roman Catholic archdiocese would file for bankruptcy to avoid sex abuse settlements surprised Schueller.

"I had great feeling for Bishop John," he said. "I’m sure there’s a lot of truth in it, but I’m not so sure there’s truth in all of it."

Schueller said he wished church leaders would have addressed sex abuse allegations far earlier.

"Just like when Nixon was in trouble, if he had come straight out and taken care of it, he never would have resigned as president," Schueller said.

Raising more than $2 million won’t be easy, no matter what the public relations climate, Schueller said.

"But I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that this program will succeed," he said. "Between the work we’ve done and the Holy Spirit looking over our shoulder, we’ll accomplish our goals."

Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail jaleccia@mailtribune.com

‘Beacon of Hope’ kicks off Saturday morning

Scott Lewis, meteorologist for KDRV-TV Channel 12, is honorary chairman of the effort to raise $2.3 million. He’ll lead ceremonies held at the St. Vincent de Paul headquarters, 2424 N. Pacific Highway, Medford.

Lewis will be joined by the Rev. Liam Cary, priest at Medford’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Skip Knight, Medford City Council member; and by Edwina Jenkins, a founding member of the Rogue Valley council of St. Vincent de Paul.

Medford Mayor Lindsay Berryman has declared Saturday "St. Vincent de Paul Day" in the city. A video about the efforts of the local St. Vincent de Paul group will be shown.

Information about the "buy-a-square-foot" campaign will be available. It offers community members the chance to "own" part of the 32,000-square-foot renovation and construction project. Cost for each square foot is $50. Donors will be recognized on a plaque in the new store.

The short program will be followed by free hamburgers, chips and soft drinks in the agency’s dining room. For more information, call 732-3125.