Grand Knights Message November 2019
Brother Knights,
I cannot believe it has been 18 months since I become Grand Knight of our Council. I had every good intention of drafting more, periodic messages. But, alas, here we are 18 months later, and this is only No. 2! ☹ Tempus Fugit!
For those of you unable to make our monthly meetings the majority of the officers agreed to extend their terms a second year. With few exceptions. Desi O’Grady did not extend as Deputy Grand Knight, David Lyle as Spiritual Director, and Jeff Alters did not extend as Advocate. We thank them for their service!
We welcome Andy Phillips who assumed the Deputy Grand Knight position (former Inside Guard), Phil Glasser as Inside Guard (Andy’s replacement), Kent Brown replacing Jeff as Advocate, and Mike Fischbach as Spiritual Director. Welcome aboard. See a nearby tab for a complete listing of all the current officers.
Why did folks extend a second year? After a lot of discussion, it was decided that just about the time an officer begins to understand his role and duties, he’s done and passes the torch. It is very common in other Council’s for folks to serve multiple years. So, this extension provides another degree of continuity and fluidity to Council leadership. Thank you to all the officers who have extended. We could not do it without you!
Last year we were very successful in generating surplus funds (revenues – expenses = surplus, as a non-profit by definition we do not make a profit, we have a surplus after expenses!) that could be donated to various charities that support our Parish and Catholic teaching. Our total surplus donations for Fraternal Year July 2018- June 2019 exceeded $40,000! Wow! Thank you for all who volunteered and contributed. Organizations who received donations from our Council include: Seminarians, multiple charities that support the intellectually disabled, Villa St. Francis, Olathe Pregnancy Center as well as other “Respect for Life” organizations. This does not include the “in kind” donations we make by donating meals to City Union Mission, Shalom House, and food collection Knights make at various restaurants and grocery stores for local food kitchens.
We are at about the half-way mark of our Fraternal Year 2019-20. And, a lot has happened. We have had two “Dinners @ Our House” – BBQ & Oktoberfest, four Pancake Breakfast’s, annual Tootsie Roll Drive, our Annual Kolf Tournament, and, five social events. Tootsie Roll collections exceeded the prior year – special shout out to Rick Doran. Our Golf Tournament also netted more than the prior year – thanks to Dave Whitaker and Team!
We are on track to donate even more surplus funds at the end of this year.
So, thank you for hanging in there and reading this far.
I have a special ask.
Like most organizations the 80/20 or 90/10 rule applies. It seems the same folks show up at meetings, volunteer, etc. We are trying to have more social events so being a Knight is not only about paying dues and washing dishes!
We are all very busy (please note 2nd message in 18 months ☹). But, prayerfully consider giving a few hours a year. If you cannot volunteer for a culinary event, come and enjoy the food and the Parish community. Consider attending a meeting or two. Always good food on hand and refreshments and brotherhood afterwards.
The Christmas season is upon us. We have planned our Winter Social at Cinzettis December 8. Come join us for a meal and fellowship. Our December meeting is December 16 and I know our Lecture, Joe Martin, will have something special for us.
It has been a true honor to be your Grand Knight. Thank you to all of you who volunteer and act in Officers roles. We would not have the success we enjoy and be able to distribute the surpluses we do without your efforts. For those who have not been as active, give it a try – a few hours a year! Whadda ya got to lose!
Vivat Jesus!
Bill Fredrickson
Grand Knight