Knights of Columbus Donates $3719 to Mountain Shadows
With over 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan, the Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization. Knights volunteer in a variety of charitable enterprises to benefit their communities. In the past decade, Knights have raised and donated nearly $1 billion to numerous causes and volunteered nearly 400 million hours of service to charitable organizations globally.
Thanks to the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary’s Parish in Escondido, Mountain Shadows is able to share in a part of this legacy. “One of the Knights of Columbus’ main projects worldwide is to render aid to developmentally disabled children,” says Mary Lou Swarner, Vice President of The Friends of Mountain Shadows (FOMS) support group. The Knights’ global leadership does not mandate participation in any particular volunteer programs, so each chapter is able to choose the programs to benefit their communities locally. “In the early 1990′s, St. Mary’s Parish heard about us from a grandparent of one our residents. St. Mary’s then chose Mountain Shadows to be the benefactor of funds received from their annual Tootsie Roll Drive,” continued Mary Lou.
This year’s Tootsie Roll Drive was held at Wal-Mart. “In prior years, the drive was held at Food- 4-Less,” says Donna Ponomarenko, Mountain Shadows Activities Director. “The Wal-Mart location really worked out well for us. Donations more than doubled from last year!” Mary Lou led a team of residents, parents and staff during the 3-day event. “We setup outside the store on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The residents pass out Tootsie Rolls to everyone. Those who wish to can make a donation,” says Mary Lou.
“The residents just love to do it!” continues Mary Lou. “They are so happy to do it. They wave and holler to everyone. It’s really fun for them. They work 2-hours shifts. Several of the residents asked if they could go back to help the next day.” Residents who participated in this year’s drive include Kenny Lewis, Frank Sullivan, Harry Thompson, Karen Trogdon, Brian Stafford, Debbie Rawlings, Nick Badillo, Julie Hayden, Jessie Concepcion, and Cathy Arom. FOMS volunteer Virginia Kappler was also on-site to assist.
“This was one of the best years ever!” says Mary Lou. “The Knights of Columbus raised and donated $3719 to FOMS from the Tootsie Roll drive,” added Wade Wilde, Mountain Shadows Executive Director.
Our heartfelt thanks to Chuck Ayash, George Barraza, Gene Buehl, Bob Cassidy, Lou Silva, Bill Verger, Paul Van Bergen, and everyone at the Knights of Colum- bus, St. Mary’s Parish in Escondido for this generous donation! Knights of Columbus Donates $3719 to Mountain Shadows Knights of Columbujs, Donna P. and MSCH residents.