For the 6th consecutive year, the Chestermere Knights of Columbus packed the Rec Centre’s Main Hall during their annual Surf N’ Turf dinner and dance. On Saturday, May 8, over 280 steaks and lobsters were served by 30 volunteers from the Catholic men’s organization while raising funds for two worthy causes.
“This dinner is one of the city’s premier events and always turn out to be a great fundraiser,” says Patrick Watson, one of the event organizers and local Knights of Columbus member, “We have so many people that come back year after year because it really is a fantastic party.”
Each year, the Knights of Columbus choose one or more charities that they believe in to support through the evenings fundraising activities. This year, they choose The Elizabeth House and the new Chestermere Cenotaph project as the recipients of all their hard work.
The Elizabeth House is located in Calgary and provides a haven of refuge and holistic restoration for pregnant women with nowhere else to go. It is a home where the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of these young mothers are recognized and supported. The Knights of Columbus supports the values of the Elizabeth House by building these women in crisis a home comprised of love, respect and community.
Located in Anniversary Park, the new Chestermere Cenotaph was put in place earlier this year as a monument to honor those who have served our country. An anonymous donor at the dinner came forward with a $10,000 donation toward the Cenotaph, demonstrating the level of importance this memorial has to the city. “The Knights of Columbus are well known for their active support with Remembrance Day services so it simply made sense to raise cash for the newly installed cenotaph,” said Watson.
Through a live and silent auction, 50/50 raffles, games and sponsorship, the event raised an incredible $25,000 (approx.).
“Many thanks goes to the St. Gabriel the Archangel Youth Group for coming out to help volunteer at the Surf n’ Turf. “There is just no way we could do an event of this size without their support. These youth are so great at helping out in the community in a variety of ways and we are proud of them.”
And to make sure everyone was home safe after the night’s festivities and successes, Mountain View Funeral Homes once again donated their complimentary limousine service to escort people home.
For the second year in a row, the Knights of Columbus has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as a World’s Most Ethical Company. The organization has over 1.8 million members worldwide. Established in 1875, this group still holds strong to its founding principles of faith, fraternity, charity and patriotism
