Grand Knight's Report February 2014- WGK Ed Dondero

Worthy Brothers all!
     The Knights of Valle de Oro have been busy this last month. On January 18th the San Diego Walk for Life was held in Balboa Park. There was a Color Corps presentation by 4th Degree Knights to kick off the event. Brother Knights Leo McGarry, Andre Cleveland, Thom Hiatt, and Ed Dondero participated, On January 25, three Knights completed their 3rd Degree Exemplification : Hikmat Abdal, Billy Eatmon, and Eddy Reidy. After the degree ceremony, we were served a delicious lunch by the Knights from Our Lady of Perpetual Help. 
     The Free Throw competition continued into February. On February 1st the district Free Throw was held at St. John of the Cross and the Chapter competition the following weekend, February 8th at St. Augustine High School. Congratulations to Isaiah Barno from Santa Sophia Academy for winning the 9 year old boys section with 17 out of 25 successful baskets. Isaiah will advance to the State Championship to be held on March 23 - location to be determined, but probably in Chatsworth. Thank you to Dennis Bauer for all his hard work getting these kids through the various levels of competition - job well done Dennis. 
     On January 31 the Santa Sophia Academy held an awards ceremony. The Knights presented awards to all the participants in our Essay Contest chaired by Greg Villard. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners were selected by Greg and Leo McGarry. First place was awarded to 8th grader Chris Melcher and his essay has been forwarded to the state level for entry in the state competition. Chris was awarded $100. 
     On February 5th, two checks were presented to the chairman of the Noah's Ark Angel Foundation, Mr. Peter Ferrantelli at Noah Homes in Spring Valley. This was from money raised by our council from the Intellectual Disability Drive. The Noah's Ark Angel Foundation has offered to match any donations made by the Knights of Columbus. As a result, our total donation to the Foundation was just over $9,000. Peter arranged for a tour of Noah Homes for the Knights present. Noah Homes is a first rate facility providing care and housing for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Peter showed us his son's room and his vast sea shell collection. Attending the tour were Father Jacob Bertrand, Dick Wade, Leo McGarry, Greg Villard, Ed Reidy, Shawn Reidy, Steve Bauers, and Ed Dondero. Thank you for the great pictures Dick, I hope we can show them to the council real soon. 

Coming up: 
This Sunday, Feb. 23rd, the Knights will be joining the Catholic Daughters of America in the CMO courtyard to co-host an open house / membership drive. Please stop by and welcome potential new members. The time for this event starts at 12:30 PM. 
     Starting on March 7th, the Lenten Fish Dinners will be beginning. This year we face a bigger challenge because all dinners will be served in the DeMoor Room. This means that the Knights will need to set the room up for the weekend masses after dinner. Your help is needed, please help where you can. Chef Vince has promised some delicious dinners this year. 

Did you submit your dues for 2014?  
The 2014 dues are due. If your have not already sent yours in, please do so soon. Delays cost the council extra money by having to send out extra mailings. 
  
Membership Building - Is there a fellow Catholic gentleman that you know and isn't a Knight?  Why not give them the gift of a membership in the Knights?  Please contact Ed Dondero or Ed Reidy for details at KofC9332@gmail.com.
Fraternity and Unity:  Thank you to all the Prayer Warriors, please continue to join us every Wednesday at 6:30-PM. I'd like to encourage all to continue your personal prayers for the healing of our fellow brothers.​

Community Service:  Thank you to all the Knights that continue to help in our parish and community.  
Just around the corner . . .

• Spiritual Growth and Camaraderie
  •  East County Men's Prayer Mass and Breakfast - on the 2nd Saturday of every month. 
• Upcoming Knights Events
  •  Knights Mass - March 2nd, 11 AM. 

 Yours in Christ,

Ed Dondero
Grand Knight