Knights of Columbus Present Awards for Family of the Year and Top Charitable Activities at Local Councils
Six councils and Michigan family recognized for charitable works
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 6, 2015 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Local Knights of Columbus councils were honored with international service awards for outstanding achievements during an awards ceremony at the Knights' 133rd annual international convention in Philadelphia.
"The international awards presented at our supreme convention honor those councils that exemplify in a particular way the mission of the Knights of Columbus, especially our first principle of charity," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "Each award winner helps to remind all of the great good that can be done when faith inspires service to God and neighbor."
The award categories and this year's recipients include:
Church Activities: St. Gabriel the Archangel Council 14492 of Chestermere, Alberta
Angels on High
With a goal of building a church by 2018, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish and Council 14492 of Chestermere, Alberta, raised $70,000 toward the new building through a unique fundraiser, "Angels on High." Eighteen climbers drew pledges and donations from individuals and corporate sponsors to hike 22 kilometers to the summit of two Kananaskis mountains. The group prepared for months on mountain trails, with stair-climbing and group fitness classes to sufficiently train for the difficult 12.5-hour hike.
Community Activities: Mar Toma Council 10981 of El Cajon, California
Iraqi Christian Relief Fund
The Mar Toma Council in El Cajon, California, responded to a call from their bishop to pray for and aid their brothers and sisters in Iraq, who continue to suffer persecution. The council organized a fund raising event and called on all area Christians to come out and support those being persecuted in Iraq. Over 1,000 people gathered in the hall of St. Peter's Chaldean Parish for a night of fundraising and prayer. The event raised $650,000 to aid refugees in Iraq and Turkey and to support the Adopt a Refugee Family Program in Lebanon.
Council Activities: St. Hubert's Council 11658 of Harrison Township, Michigan
Fundraising for a Cure
Through a series of events, St. Hubert's Council 11658 in Harrison, Michigan, has raised over $100,000 to support Brother Knight Adam Wit, who was diagnosed in 2010 with a rare blood cancer that is usually seen in people over 60. Only 30 and recently married, he suddenly faced a life expectancy of under five years, and the need to quit his job to undergo treatment. Part of the council's work has been to raise funds for cancer research as a cure is not yet available. With Brother Wit now beating the odds, he and the St. Hubert's Knights continue to fight.
Culture of Life Activities: Fr. Lucien Galtier Council 4184 of St. Paul, Minnesota
Knights for Life Banquet
The Fr. Lucien Galtier Council 4184 of St. Paul, Minnesota, has been honored for its successful efforts to raise funds for Wakota Life Care Center in West St. Paul, including $82,000 last year and $100,000 this year. The Knights have hosted popular speakers, including TV actress Lauren Roman of All My Children and former Vikings football player Matt Birk. Unique raffle prizes included tickets to attend a Twins game with a popular local priest, the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Lebanese-style dinner with another priest, and the opportunity to serve breakfast with the bishop at the Catholic Charities soup kitchen.
Family Activities: Martinsburg Council 1270 of Martinsburg, Missouri
Crop Harvest and Sale Preparation
In August of 2014, Past Grand Knight of Council 1270, Kenny Fennewald, passed away suddenly, leaving his widowed mother, Teresa, to care for their farm. Council members took on the responsibilities for feeding the cattle twice daily and making repairs to the equipment over the next several months. When harvest season arrived, council members put their own harvests on hold to ensure that Teresa's corn and soybean crops were harvested and stored. They also cleaned and brought Kenny's farm equipment and supplies to auction for Teresa.
Youth Activities: Cumberland Council 586 of Cumberland, Maryland
It Started With a Phone Call
In January of 2015, a bus returning from the March for Life in Washington D.C. experienced a mechanical malfunction, and the 78 students on board were suddenly in need of shelter for the night. Upon notification through a late-night phone call, Council 586 of Cumberland, Maryland, sprang into action, arranging for shelter for all of the students and their chaperones until the bus could be repaired. The council's simple act of charity gave an unforgettable witness to Father McGivney's legacy of charity and touched multiple young lives in a way that they are likely to remember always.
Family of the Year: Ron and Peggy Weingartz family of Brighton, Michigan
For their strong family values, devotion to the Catholic faith, service to those in need and pro-life commitment, Ron and Peggy Weingartz and their five children received this years' International Family of the Year Award. Together with their children, Ron and Peggy were the driving force behind a parish "Kids Against Hunger" campaign, raising funds to purchase food and distribute meals. They also lead a program that works with the Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative to provide ultrasound machines to local pregnancy centers. Ron's council, St. Mary Magdalen Council 12295 in Brighton, Michigan, has "so many great programs, it's just such a privilege to be able to take part and help out," Peggy explained. "The Knights of Columbus is like a family to us. Our children have grown up in the Knights and they have learned how to serve because of that." The Knights of Columbus saluted the Weingartz family for its public witness not only to family life, but also to charity and building a culture of life.
