Grand Knight's report for November 2017 GK Shawn Reidy

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Worthy Brother Knights-Greetings!
                  Well gentlemen, we have much to be thankful for in this past month. Last month we conducted our annual ID Drive (aka Tootsie Roll Drive). DGK Leo McGarry and I managed to put together a great crew of volunteers, who stood out faithfully collecting donations at Albertson's, Smart & Final and Santa Sophia Church. The estimated collection totaled to nearly $3,600! Vivat Jesus!
    Thanks goes to you, brother Knights and to the folks at Noah Homes who provided the posters, easels and promotional brochures. Some of their residents helped out as well at Santa Sophia, that Sunday.  Thanks also to the Boy Scouts who collected at the grocery stores.
Next up was the 5th Sunday Rosary on Oct. 29th. It was moderately attended, due to the blessing by Fr. Devdas of the newly refurbished soccer field preceding our Rosary.
​Our second trip to Tecate-Nazareth Orphanage Outreach- occurred on Sat. Nov. 11th. This time we had just 4 of members, Ed Reidy, me-GK, Jack Crutchfield and Chuck Zimmer(thanks for the use of the pick-up) yet we manged a successful trip anyways. Thanks in part to the teen volunteers from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Carlsbad. We estimate that we served around 150-160 people. Jack Crutchfield made his famous hamburger/vegetable soup, which was a big hit. Along with the Caesar and Greek Salad!
      That same day, later in the evening,  the Knights sponsored a "Salute to Veterans and Military Families Dinner"- featuring a delicious pasta with meatballs entree with garlic bread, salad and desserts. Br. Billy Eatmon and his daughter Bonnie were the DJ's and presenters of the raffle and other contests. It was a memorable evening for ALL the veterans who attended, with many tearing up at certain moments-especially to the tribute to the POW/MIA.
The Boy Scouts provided a dignified Honor Guard for a procession of the Service flags. A presentation of each service flag was made. The Santa Sophia Choir, headed by Suzanne Kennedy-Ballon, lead the guests in singing our National Anthem-Star Spangled Banner. The evening was indeed a success. Bravo and thanks go to DGK Leo McGarry and Hank Gaus. Hank was the person who approached Leo last June/July and provided the initial $500 to get this project going. So, as I said at the beginning, we've had much to be thankful. Now we proceed with finishing this month of November fulfilling our duty to serve coffee and donuts after the 8 am & 11 am masses. By the way. kudos to Br. Jerry and his crew of new members-Ismael Negrete, Dave Diaz, Barry Coleman, Anthony Opalek and John Thomas. They did a fantastic job and we cleared $200!
Next up is the Annual Christmas Turkey Dinner on Sunday, December 10th 4 pm, after the "Lessons of Carols and Bells" program in Santa Sophia church at 3 pm.
Finally, I just want thank all of you for your help in all our events. It seems repetitive to say thanks all of the time, but it never goes out of style. Vivat Jesus! 
Remember, to wear your K of C blue shirts (button-down or polo) and name tags/plates at church and if you haven't been to a meeting in a while-please do. we'd like to see you! 
God bless and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
Shawn Reidy, Grand Knight
Remember: those who pay their Council Dues early or at the event-get their Christmas Turkey dinner FREE!

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