Council 414 Donation to Special Olympics
- Mon, Jan 23, 2023 12:04 PM
Posted For: Council #414
Bay City Council #414 has a very close relationship with Area 9 Special Olympics. Area 9 held their board meeting at our council hall on Wednesday January,18 2023. During that meeting our council presented a check for $6,000.00.
Jeff Seifferly Immediate Past Grand Knight and current 3yr Trustee, Brad Covaleski Grand Knight and District Deputy #705, Alan Leppek Deputy Grand Knight, and Janelle Miller Area 9 Special Olympics Director.
Jeff and Alan have been Co-Chairing the MI Drive the past couple years and are responsible for the success of our drives. I personally have been involved with Area 9 Special Olympics since 2004. My son is an athlete. I've volunteered, coached, and still currently reside on Area 9's board. Some of our Knights and Ladies Auxiliary members are Special Olympics athletes. We have had several of our Knights participate in Area 9 fundraisers such as the Water Warriors ride and help volunteer for sports such as Cross-Country Skiing, Cycling, Flag Football, and more. Area 9 has been our #1 charity for the MI "Tootsie Roll" drive for at least the past 10 years. Jeff also DJs and has volunteered to DJ several of Area 9's Christmas parties including this past holiday as well as DJ and MC their local Polar Plunge prior to Covid and has hosted several Trivia Fundraisers for Area 9's Unified Champion Schools division. Area 9 athletes and their volunteers/board members have also helped us with our MI "Tootsie Roll" Drive. In my 11+ years in the Knights, I have not witnessed a stronger bond between a Special Olympics Area and a Knights of Columbus council. I am very honored and blessed to be part of this special relationship. You truly witness Holy Moments with our interaction - not just with the athletes but with the Knights as well. The financial support is great but to be there to help an athlete; there is no greater joy and spiritual reward to see that athlete cross that finish line. Their smile and excitement on their accomplishment washes over you and humbles you. God's power and love is all around us and those few moments with the athletes opens your eyes to see what God is capable of.
District Deputy #705, Brad Covaleski