Grand Knight's Report September 201`6-WGK Greg Villard

It's been another busy month for our Council. I appreciate everyone's continued help in all our activities.
    
   On August 27, we were asked to BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs for approximately 300 people at the Academy/Church picnic.  Our cooking team did a great job again this year with help from Gary Glen, Shawn Reidy, Ed Dondero, Eric Drake, Eddie Padillo, Paul Melcher, Dick Wade, Jim Maasch, John Martin, Andre Cleveland, Ed Reidy, and Dennis Bauer.
     
   On Sunday afternoon, September 4, Sam and Rosa Caeti hosted our annual Mary's celebration-Rosary/Pizza party at their house.  Thank you to the Caeti's for opening their house and backyard to the Knights, families, and friends again for this year's event.  Everyone had a great time and enjoyed good homemade pizza, food, drinks, and conversations.   
   Our Council will kick off our Knights on Hikes program this weekend (September 17) with an easy 6 mile hike (shorter if you prefer) around Lake Murray.  We will meet at the boat docks at 8 a.m. or carpool from the Santa Sophia Church at 7:45 a.m.  Everyone is invited to attend including spouses, families, and friends, and even your pet dog.
   On Saturday, September 24, Knights from our Council and others will travel to Tecate to provide lunch for the boys, sisters, and workers at the orphanage.  This will be the first of four trips to the orphanage this year.  If you are able to help in Tecate that day or would be willing to donate money or material items to the orphanage, please contact Ed Reidy, our Tecate Outreach program director. ereidy@aol.com
     
     Also, on the evening of Saturday, September 24, the Catholic Daughters of America are hosting their annual Chili cook off. Please come out and support the CDA and sample some great chili. Knights Jerry Kay and Pat Esquibel have won first place in this contest in the past several years.
     On October 1, we will be hosting our 7th annual Wine Tasting Celebration in Prendergast Hall from 7 to 10 p.m.  
This is our biggest fundraiser for many years so all Knights are encouraged to attend this fun-filled evening with their wives, friends, and families.  Tickets prices are $30 to individuals or $50 per couple for presale or $35 at the door.  Tickets are available after weekend Masses at the Kiosk, at the Parish office, or on-line on our website.  If you would like to help with the wine tasting event or be a wine sponsor, please contact me.
     
     Next month, we will conduct a membership drive to add new Brothers to our Council.  We are planning to join forces with the Catholic Daughters of America and jointly host a lunch or reception after an 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass some weekend in October.  More details regarding this membership drive will be provided as we finalize our plans with the CDA.
     
        Our Council will again be participating in the annual Columbian Foundation drive to support people with intellectual disabilities.  Deputy Grand Knight Shawn Reidy will be in charge of this year's tootsie roll campaign for our Council.  More information will be forthcoming as we finalize our plans for this activity.
      As always, please remember to wear your Knights of Columbus "name plate" to mass. Do you know a Catholic Gentleman that is 18 years or older? Enrich his life and give him a membership in the Knights. 
Every Knight is a recruiter. Let's all continue to 
work together in the spirit of Fr. Michael J. McGivney with 
Charity,Unity, and Fraternity!
 
     If you have not been to a meeting in a while, plan on attending this Thursday and reacquaint yourself with your brothers, and what is currently being planned in your council. 
I hope to see you next month!
Vivat Jesus!
Greg Villard | Grand Knight | Valle De Oro | Council 9332