Web Accessibility2026 Knights of Columbus Annual Awards Dinner
The Knights of Columbus Council 8074 held their annual dinner recently in which many local groups are given donations. Due to the generosity of the Sacred Heart parishioners, the Punta Gorda community, and the work of our Brother Knights during the past fraternal year, the council made donations to over twenty deserving philanthropic organizations this year.
Al Borrelli was cited as the Knight of the Year for his efforts in planning and executing the fundraising events such as pancake breakfasts, fish fries, and pork chop dinners.
Jim and Connie Kantor were awarded the Family of the Year. Jim's efforts in organizing the Tootsie Roll campaign resulted in our council finishing third in the state of Florida out of the 250 councils participating in this effort. He also serves as the council's Facebook page manager and photographer at general meetings. Connie manages the furniture department at the St. Vincent de Paul facility in Punta Gorda. Congratulations to these individuals for their outstanding efforts during the past year.
The organizations receiving checks this year included the following:
American Wheelchair Mission, Charlotte Care Center, Kaden's Cause, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, Crossroads Hope Academy, Jesus Loves You Ministry, Arcadia Housing Authority, Volunteers of America of Florida, Wreaths Across America, Southwest Florida Honor Flight, Military Heritage Museum, St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Pregnancy Solutions, Guest House, Loveland Center, Tender Hearts Partnership, Special Olympics, Charlotte Harbor Center School, and St. Mary Academy.
The Sacred Heart Council 8074 supports seminarians with monthly donations throughout the year. The council facilitates the donation of turkeys donated from Sacred Heart parishioners to the Charlotte County Care Center and St. Vincent de Paul Society in Punta Gorda on the weekend before Thanksgiving. This year a mentorship program was developed to assist the Crossroads Hope Academy's two campuses in Punta Gorda.
Thanks for your support that allows the Knights of Columbus the ability to support these groups which are vital in serving the community.