Knights of Columbus Mobilize for
Oklahoma Tornado Relief Efforts

Following a devastating tornado in suburban Oklahoma City, Okla., the Knights of Columbus has initiated local disaster response efforts to help those affected.
The Knights of Columbus Oklahoma State Council has begun organizing relief efforts in and around Moore, Okla., to assist those displaced or otherwise negatively impacted by the storm. In addition, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council sent an initial donation of $10,000 in support of the Oklahoma Knights’ response.
Read the whole post here.

Two students award Notre Dame Scholarships from Council 6099

Knights of Columbus 6099 Holy Family council is proud to announce that two Notre Dame High School Scholarships were awarded this year, each to a student in the OLPH Eighth Grade Graduation Class. Congratulations to Margaret Coles, daughter of Brother Chris Coles, and James West, son of Brother Bill West were each awarded a scholarship in the amount of $4000.

The scholarships are merit-based, with factors relating to grades and involvement in church and community being considered. They are awarded to the children of Brother Knights who are members of Council 6099 in good standing. Thanks to all who contribute to the scholarship fund, so Council 6099 can continue to make Catholic education accessible to as many families as possible.

6099 takes 9 awards at 110th State Council Convention

If the awards are any indication, 6099 has had a great year of service in 2012-13.  The council won 9 individual awards at the 110th State Council Convention, held April 26-28 in Franklin, Tennessee.

These awards are a testament to the high level of work accomplished by our members.  The awards were:

• Membership Awards:  Most Knights recruited in the STATE this year! (21)/High score in the State Bowling for Members competition
• State Deputy's Award:  For complete Council administration (note only 33 of 95 councils received this award).
• Chaplain's Award:  For outstanding vocations and religious programming (2nd highest award given by the state. 15 of 95 councils received this award)
• Bishops' Award:  For overall outstanding council programming (the State Council's highest award. Only 8 of 95 councils received it).
• MR Foundation Awards:  Top $$ producer in the state ($22k+), 4th place, amount raised per member
• Charity Activity Award:  Awarded for the outstanding charity project in the state for Southern Brewers Festival event.

Click here to see pictures from the convention (and who's that with the tumblers on the page banner?)

Officer Nominees for 2013-14

It's that time.  New officers for the 2013-14 fraternal year will be elected at the June business meeting.  Please consider these names, then show up to cast your vote.

If you're interested in pursuing one of the elected offices, please contact a member of the nominating committee.  The committee members are Victor Williams, Clarence Bodnar, Ronnie Schleifer, Corky Evers and Wayne Collins.

The nominees are:

Chaplain: Fr. Bartholomew Okere
Grand Knight:  John Vannucci
Deputy Grand Knight:  Tom Smelas
Chaplain:  Rick Powell
Warden:  Craig Bodnar
Recorder:  Steve Horton
Financial Secretary:  Ron Schleifer
Treasurer:  Earl Reike
Advocate:  Ray Fox, Jr.
Lecturer:  Jim Costello
Guards:  Roland Lee, Mike Doyle, Jr., Chris Schleifer, Craig Romanauski
Trustees:  Wayne Collins (3yr), Corky Evers (2yr), Victor Williams 1(yr)

How Can You Help the Families and Community Involved in the Texas Fertilizer Explosion?

Following the terrible blast at a fertilizer plant in the town of West, Texas, the Knights of Columbus is accepting donations to help those in need.
In addition, Knights of Columbus Council 2305 in West, Texas is working with local groups and the authorities to assist with disaster relief. The council is particularly well positioned to help since it counts more than 500 members in a town of fewer than 3,000 people.
Donations to assist in relief efforts can be made to Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. online at www.kofc.org/texas
Read more here.