Grand Knight's Report

Someone once said this about Florida summer weather, “wait a few hours and it will change again”. That represented the spirit of this Council during the month of November. We were all vigorously engaged in performing charity works for the benefit of others almost every hour of the day throughout the month. The breakfast in honor of our Veteran’s was a success even if the number of customers was 20 percent less than expected. The proceeds were split between Fr. David Czartorynski, to help defray the cost of his activities for the veterans at the VA Hospital, and the Church fund. Next, I’d like to share with you about the “Membership Blitz.” It concluded with our Open House and we signed up two new knights and received one new prospect. Our ranks have grown by six (6) new members since the beginning of this membership drive. I’d like to extend my many thanks to all those who participated and provided great ideas to bring new members into our ranks. I also remind you – my Brothers - that recruiting is everyone’s responsibility and that one-on-one contact has proven to work more effectively than group events. We welcomed Brothers Christopher Thomas, Richard Brown and Fernando Nieves, as new members into Council #14278. We also extend our congratulations to Brothers J. Quintas, V. Lukban, R. Mathelier, A. Cuesta, A. Alvarez, and R. Brown for advancing to the 2nd Degree held at St Stephen’s Catholic Church. Our honoree for this 2nd Degree was Fr. Christopher Fitzgerald…do you know who he is and what he represents to this Council?

So what’s the news about the Charity Golf Tournament, you ask? Well that too was a success in producing lots of fun and great outdoor natural scenery. The event’s profits have helped generate money in support of the Hillsborough County Special Olympics and the Wheel Chair Foundation. In addition, the spirit of charity kept on giving during the Thanksgiving week as members of this Council stepped up to replenish the empty shelves of the Church pantry. A pickup truck loaded with canned vegetables and two of my favorite food staples, “peanut butter and jelly,” was delivered by our DGK to the pantry volunteers bringing smiles to all those awaiting in line.

Council members are currently planning the sales schedule for the “Keep Christ in Christmas” merchandise to be sold after all our Masses in December. If you have not signed up yet, please stay on after your regularly attended Mass and help out. Our Christmas Social will be very special and I expect everyone to attend since it is at the Church on 18 Dec. Please RSVP to Tom Kessinger. Also, don’t forget that the Knights are on the Church Calendar for hosting the ‘Feed the Needy’ program on 30 Dec and volunteers are not only most welcome, but very needed.

Remember, in order to keep up to date on Council announcements and upcoming events, you need to visit our Blog (http://kofc14278.blogspot.com/), read our Newsletter, and attend our monthly meetings. Moreover, you must recall that fact that you are the Council and it is your contributions that describe the quality of the work that we continue to do…. and again, I am happy to report that from where I stand the levels of energy expended and the good works completed continue to be excellent! Thank you. Please make very effort to participate in these next published events.