Michigan Knights Stand with St. Louis Center at the 2026 Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest
- Sun, Sep 20, 2026 11:40 AM
Michigan Knights Stand with St. Louis Center at the 2026 Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest
The Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus proudly supported the 30th Annual Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest to benefit St. Louis Center in Chelsea. The event, hosted by the Italian American Club of Livonia, included Mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by a festive afternoon of dinner, music, dancing, prize drawings, and fellowship from noon to 5:00 p.m. on September 13.
St. Louis Center is a private, nonprofit residential community serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an intentional, faith-based setting. Founded in 1960 when Cardinal John Dearden invited the Servants of Charity (founded by St. Louis Guanella) to care for boys with special needs, the Center has grown into a CARF-accredited village on a 180-acre campus west of Chelsea. Its mission is simple and profound: to recognize the God-given dignity of every person and help each resident live a full, supported life.
Michigan Knights have walked with St. Louis Center for decades. Councils across the state contribute through the Intellectual Disabilities Drive (Tootsie Roll campaign), golf outings, Christmas visits, coats and gifts for residents, volunteer service, and major State Council gifts. Over the last decade the Knights have given more than $1.7 million to the Center, including support for operations, facilities, and benevolent care—the gap between government reimbursements and the true cost of loving, round-the-clock care.
Among those representing the Order at this year’s Harvest Fest were Past State Deputy Kenneth Unterbrink and Mary; SDRR Ray Bilyk and Jennifer; Michigan Columbian Editor Gary Kolbicz and Marie; Sue Vittorini; Joann VanEenoo; and SDSA Paul Palka and Margaret.
The Michigan State Council’s presence was also marked by a formal recognition plaque listing State Chaplain Rev. Paul Ballien and the current state officer couples, underscoring that support for St. Louis Center is a priority from the highest levels of the Michigan jurisdiction.
