KOVAR

Many know of KOVAR having seen us handing out over-sized Tootsie Rolls at your Parish or in front of a local supermarket. Knights of Virginia Assisting Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities is a charity established in 1971 and has raised more than $12 million since its inception. It’s simple to participate in this worthy cause – donate a couple hours of your time during the spring drive, don the yellow vest, and collect some cash. Keep an eye open as Easter approaches for more information and sign-up sheets. If nothing else, give your time for this important KofC Charity – we rarely have enough bodies to cover all of our locations. There’s no excuse for a Council the size of EDW to be out-raised by any of our sister Councils.

Give Blood

The Blood drives at EDW are a long tradition that sadly has seen a decline over the past few years, even as our membership has swelled. If you are able to donate blood, please keep an eye open in the Knight Life for dates. Help revive this charitable event and possibly save a life.

Thanksgiving

Every Thanksgiving, EDW serves and delivers well over 1,200 holiday meals to those in need of food or fellowship. This wonderful event is normally blessed with an abundance of volunteers to perform the day-of cooking and serving. However, a production this size requires dozens of turkeys – more than can be cooked in the Main Hall’s kitchen. Each year members are needed to purchase and cook an 18 to 20lb turkey in the day or two prior to Thanksgiving. For more information about getting involved in this tradition, watch the Knight Life as the holidays near.

Glebe Gang

EDW recently began participating in an Arlington County program where organizations volunteer to “adopt” a roadway by picking up litter twice a year. Our stretch is a portion of Glebe road from Marymount University to Chain Bridge. The work is easy as North Glebe is kept nice and neat by the locals. But, the more Knights willing to take this stroll once or twice a year will make it easier for the group. It also garners some goodwill and publicity for our Council.

Usher at your Parish

One of many ways to assist the parishes our Council serves is to volunteer as an usher; they’re always in need. So, fasten that KofC pin to your blazer and assist fellow parishioners and our faithful priests by performing this basic, yet necessary duty.

Red Coat

The EDW Red Coat Waiters Team deserves all of our thanks, for without their service our Council would not be able to remain what it is today. Red Coats volunteer one or two nights a month to serve as a waiter at a wedding or other event in the Main Hall or Council Home. They also serve their brother Knights at regular events such as Burger Night. Without their Labor the Columbus Club might not be able to survive. The Red Coats not only enjoy what they do but raise a considerable amount via tips that is spread to various charities and used to finance a Red Coat party. As more members join these waiting teams the burden becomes lighter for all.

Degree Team

Our dedicated Degree Team performs all of the First and Second Degree ceremonials that take place at EDW. If you became a Knight at EDW you’ve seen them at work. Obviously, this group of men is essential to the continuation of our Council and there may not be a more direct way for you to leave a positive impression on new members. The Degree team is in need. Many have been performing in this capacity for decades and are trying to establish a larger roster. You must be a 3rd Degree Knight, and willing to commit a handful of Thursday evenings over the course of a year.

500 Club

This is an old EDW lottery-like event that supports our Council Home Building Fund. It’s fun and easy to participate. Buy one or more open number (between 000-500), $5 each per month. Purchase five months and get the 6th month free. Each month winners are drawn, prizes ranging from $100 to $500! Not only does your participation help maintain our beloved Council Home, but you just might get lucky too!

Chair a committee

There are a number of committees at any Knights of Columbus Council. Unfortunately, many of ours languish without a chairman – or have a long-serving chairman who would like to pass the torch. Contact one of our officers (Deputy Grand Knight or Chancellor) to find out where our needs lie. If you’re not sure you’re ready to chair, at least join a committee that interests you.

Attend an EDW Mass

A few times throughout the year you find a Mass at EDW, such as July 4th as part of the installation of officers. (All our Masses are advertised in the Knight Life). Sadly, for a Council of our size, these are poorly attended. Show support for our wonderful Chaplain, Father Joe. Bring the family. Partake in this most fundamental Catholic activity, the Holy Mass.

Attend a Council Meeting

Unlike some other fraternal organizations, meeting attendance in the Knights of Columbus is optional. HOWEVER, there’s no better way to stay in true to your Council than to attend a meeting. Show support for our Officers who do so much on our behalf. Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month and normally last about 30 minutes. If you’ve not been to a meeting since you joined, try attending once a quarter. Remember, we are a Council first, a club second; without the Council, there is no Club.

Eat: Friday Supper Club or Family Breakfast

these dining events are old EDW traditions. Please consider attending the Supper Club. Good food. Informal atmosphere. Family friendly. Priced right. The Sunday Family Breakfasts and Brunches are popular with our entire membership. Enjoy a large, informal buffet after a Sunday Mass. Always check the Knight Life for details about dates, prices, and menus.
These events provide an opportunity for fellowship, especially dear to our retirees and older members. While they’re not designed to make money, the Columbus Club cannot afford to take a loss each month either. I encourage you to add the Supper Club, Family Breakfast, or another of our meal opportunities to your families “going out” rotation.