A Touchdown for Special Olympics Athletes

As the NFL world and the nation’s best College football players descended on Indianapolis this weekend for the annual Scouting Combine, more than two dozen Special Olympics Athletes had their own impressive set of skills to demonstrate. Thanks to a partnership between the Indiana Carl Anderson knights of Columbus, Special Olympics and Catholic Athletes for Christ--the first ever mock "Mini Combine and Football Clinic" for Special Olympics Athletes was held on Saturday, February 22, at the Indianapolis Colts training complex. Four former Colt players, including Quarterback Jim Sorgi were on hand to offer instruction and inspiration to the athletes.

Numerous Indiana Knights manned five different stations where the athletes tested their skills. The mock combine featured events such as the 40 yard dash, football long throw competition, broad jump, shuttle run and three cone drill—many of the same drills the nation’s premier college football players were being put through just a few miles away at Lucas Oil Stadium. The event acted as an important reminder of the dignity of the human person and the abilities and character of Special Olympics athletes, who continually strive to meet their full potential.

Jim Sorgi was joined by former Colt teammates John Standeford (2004-2007), Rick DeMulling (2002-2004) and Dylan Gandy (2005-2007)—and a team of Indiana Knights of Columbus, including State Deputy Lawrence Fluhr, Special Olympics and Catholic Athletes for Christ members and volunteers--all of whom came away inspired by the athletes persistence, determination and commitment to excellence.

Article Source - http://www.kofc.org/un/en/news/releases/detail/touchdown-special-olympics-athletes.html

Knights of Columbus Sets Insurance Record for 13th Consecutive Year

The Knights of Columbus Carl Anderson recorded its 13th consecutive year of growth in insurance sales with nearly $8.2 billion in new life insurance sold. The record sales are part of the organization’s impressive 89 percent growth in business since 2003.

The Knights logged $72 billion in new insurance over the last 10 years, making for an annual growth rate in new policies of 4.6 percent despite recession and slow economic recovery during the second half of that period. With nearly 93,000 new contracts issued in all lines of business in 2013, the K of C now has nearly 2 million contracts in force.

Carl Anderson knights of Columbus

“In 132 years of operation, the Knights of Columbus has helped meet the spiritual and financial needs of Catholic families while also serving the community through charitable works,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “We are pleased to have had great success on both of these fronts, which comes from our continued commitment to our founding mission of serving our neighbor consistent with Catholic social teaching.”

Supreme Knight Anderson explained that record-breaking insurance results mean that the K of C has “helped its members to protect their families while simultaneously enabling the Knights to support those most in need and the many works of the Catholic Church.”

The Knights enjoys a stalwart reputation for financial security, has one of the lowest lapse rates in the industry and offers a product line designed to provide life insurance, annuities, disability income and long-term care policies to meet the needs of Catholic families.

For 38 consecutive years, the Knights of Columbus has earned an A++ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best Company for its financial stability, and there is no more highly rated life insurer in North America. The organization is also at an all-time high in its number of agents, with more than 1,500 in service within the United States and Canada.

Article Source - http://www.kofc.org/un/en/insurance/news/detail/kofc-sets-record-13th-year.html

Knights of Columbus conducting Food for Families initiative events to feed hungry families

While the need to feed hungry families is constant, the Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas season is traditionally a time of increased Knights of Columbus outreach to feed hungry people. Knights of Columbus councils throughout the Order participate in a wide range of programs – under the umbrella of the Food for Families initiative – to provide sustenance to those in need. Here are just two examples of the good works being done by Knights and their families.

For more than 22 years, Knights of Columbus Fairview Council 4044 in Chicopee, Mass., Have conducted a community Thanksgiving dinner. The event gathers and feds to those in need providing a holiday meal and the company of friends and family with which to share it. Meals are given to area facilities that serve the needy, and delivered to the homebound. Last year the council provided meals to more than 3,500 people.

Three years ago the members of Tillamook (Ore.) Council 2171 launched a project to establish a council vegetable garden. This year the council donated more than 15,000 of produce, more than 1,000 over last year’s donation. Columbia recently featured an article on this council’s outstanding efforts.

In order to encourage increased council outreach to food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens, the Knights of Columbus Insurance offers financial rebates to councils that donate food or money. The Supreme Council will refund $100 for every $500, or for every 500 pounds of food, that a council contributes to a parish food pantry, community food bank, or soup kitchen, up to a maximum refund of $500 per council per fraternal year. Indicated contributions of food and/or money should be cumulative for the fraternal year. Although food donations are valuable, food bank managers often say that contributions of money are even more valuable, as they allow the food bank to procure exactly the food items that they need. In addition to monetary donations, volunteer support may be provided to help sort food and perform other valuable functions. Visit kofc.org/food for more information.

Article Source - http://www.kofc.org/un/en/news/releases/detail/brining-sustenance-need.html