Press Release
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For Immediate Release: July 28, 2013
Utica K of C Donates $30,000 to People with Intellectual Disabilities
Utica, Michigan —The Knights of Columbus, Council 2950, from Utica are once again the top fund-raisers in the State of Michigan in their “Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities,” also known as the “Tootsie Roll Drive.” This year the Knights raised over $30,000. 100% of the money raised goes to help adults and children with cognitive impairments.
Every year, on the weekend of Palm Sunday, Knights of Columbus volunteers, who include members, their family and friends, take to the streets for the Catholic fraternal organization’s most visible nation-wide fundraiser. Dressed in their signature yellow vests with red lettering exhorting “Help Mentally Impaired Citizens,” volunteers passively solicit donations from passers-by and offer Tootsie Rolls to those who donate. These chocolate taffy treats elicit smiles from people of all ages; however, despite the strong association, the Knights of Columbus are not affiliated with the Tootsie Roll brand or their manufacturer.
All the money raised by the local Knights of Columbus is sent to the state-level organization where a portion is committed to state-wide programs such as Special Olympics. Approximately two-thirds of the funds are returned to the local K of C Council, where they are donated to worthy local charities selected by the council that benefit adults and children with intellectual disabilities.
The Utica Knights of Columbus have been top fundraisers in the state since the Tootsie Roll drive started in the late '70's. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of their volunteers, and the generous support of the local community of Utica, Shelby Township, and Sterling Heights, KofC Council 2950 will distribute checks to twenty-two local charities:
- ARC Services of Macomb
- Bozymowski Center
- PreSchool Assessment Center/MISD
- Life Skills Centers, Inc.
- Warren Woods PI/CI Parents Club
- Black Elementary CI Program
- Boys Scouts of America Troop 390
- Penrickton for the Blind
- Social Resources, Inc
- Saint Lawrence C.R.E
- Neil Reid High School
- Glen H. Peters School
- St. Louis Center
- Cleave Group Home
- Macomb Academy
- Mary's Children Family Center
- Robert G. Lutz School
- Maple Lane Elementary
- Judson Center
- Keith Bovenschen School
- Macomb/ St. Clair County Chapter of Autism
- City of Sterling Heights Parks & Rec.
The Knights of Columbus are holding a picnic on August 8th, 2013 at their picnic grounds in Shelby Township were they will distribute the donation checks. Representatives of the recipient charities are invited to attend along with the special needs families and friends.
Past year’s donations have gone toward the purchase of technologies for special education such as I-Pads for people with autism, specialized children’s wheel chairs, as well as sponsoring camping experiences for adults and children with intellectual disabilities.
About the Knights of Columbus:
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.8 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people. The St. Lawrence Knights of Columbus, Council 2950, was founded in Utica, MI in 1945. The Knights sponsor many fun events and give generously to many charities.
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