SHELTON—2 Local Knights of Columbus councils join forces to raise money for local charities
Knights of Columbus councils are known for serving the greater good of their parishes and local communities, and many times they work as individual councils. Four years ago, Councils 14360 at St. Matthew Norwalk and 11077 at Our Lady of the Assumption Fairfield discovered if they joined together to work on a major project, they could do even more for both of their parishes and communities. This realization led to the two councils hooking up to host a charity golf tournament which started in 2016.
The two councils once again came together to host the 4th Annual Sword & Shield Charity Golf Classic on June 10, 2019. Even though there was a threat of bad weather all day, the rain held off until 3pm and most of the foursomes rode out the weather to finish 18 holes of golf on the links at Brownson Country Club in the Huntington section of Shelton. The golfers enjoyed a phenomenal buffet breakfast before heading out to play 18 holes of golf and finished the day with and a great buffet dinner which included prime rib, along with awards and raffles. Both councils worked hard for nearly a year to raise funds for the organizations they support.
“Today was a wonderful example of two councils who worked together tirelessly for the common good. These selfless men care about helping others and working together. I’m glad to be a part of it.” said St. Matthew Council Grand Knight Scott Criscuolo.
Representatives from four of the organizations were present and spoke about their respective organizations at the event. CEO Vince Santilli spoke about ABRI/Homes for the Brave, which provides safe housing, vocational training and job placement, mental health and addiction services, and life skills coaching to help individuals, especially Veterans, leave homelessness behind. Members of Malta House’s board attended and golfed in the event. Carey Dougherty explained about the mission of Malta House which promotes the dignity of God-given life by providing a nurturing home environment, support services and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers of all faiths and their children. Fran Lichtenberg explained that Off the Streets, serves the homeless & at-risk-of-becoming-homeless in Connecticut. OTS provides much-needed security deposits & simple household basics (furnishings & necessities) for eligible candidates that gets them off the streets and into a permanent home. Lastly, Sister Lucie Monast from Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center in Norwalk spoke about the mission of the 60 bed residence including 6 private rooms operated under the loving sponsorship of The Sisters of St, Thomas of Villanova.
“It is so nice to see representatives from the organizations that both councils assist every year speak at the tournament and it also informs the attendees on how they are making a difference by having a fun day. It puts everything we do into perspective, said Sword & Shield Charity Golf Classic Co-chairman and St. Matthew Council member George Ribellino, Jr.
Sister Lucie also spent the day assisting the K of C members selling raffle tickets. “We love Sister Lucie and we were so happy to see her have a fun day and she was such a big help to us.” said Ribellino.
The Tournament is supported by many local businesses who bought sponsorships including AJ’s Landscaping Services, Financial Advisory Services, MBI Inc and Harding Funeral Home.
Co-Chairman Greg Matera from Council 11077 was also thrilled with how things went, “I am proud of our committee, volunteers, councils and the many people who work for over five months each year to put on this event. Even the rain at this year’s tournament could not change the excitement and proud feeling we all have during our dinner the night of the event reflecting on those in need who have gained a little more.”
Since the event was such a success again this year, the Knights Councils have booked the 5th Annual Sword & Shield Classic on June 8, 2020 at Brownson Country Club in Huntington, CT.
Other organizations the councils help support include Al’s Angels, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Disabled American Veterans, and Family & Children’s Agency. The tournament has raised over $80,000 over the last four years to use for it charitable works.
The goal of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 14360 at Saint Matthew Parish and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish is to perform acts of charity, providing those in need with a range of support from financial to tactical help in dealing with a wide variety of challenges. For more information, visit saintmatthewknights.com.
