[Officers] Wheelchair Foundation Information

[Nicholas A. Ragusano]

Worthy Officers,

I received the following from State Council:

California State Wheelchair Plan for 2015-2016. . . Submitted by Steve Bolton

The Knights of Columbus have been supporting the American Wheelchair Mission since 2003. Since then over 50,000 brand new wheelchairs have been delivered, free of charge, to people in need all over the world. Although thousands of wheelchairs are delivered to the poorest of the poor in dozens of countries, nearly 25% of all wheelchairs delivered have been given to people in the United States; and most of them to veterans. Today, The American Wheelchair Mission is one of our Supreme Council’s “Featured Eight” programs and continues to answer prayers and give people hope.

State Deputy, Ed Huestis, wants to expand this program, especially for veterans, in this coming Columbian Year. His plan for 2015-2016 is to provide 1,800 wheelchairs to veterans throughout our great State. The distribution of these wheelchairs will occur within the three regions of the State: North, Central and South, and the number of wheelchairs delivered regionally will depend on the overall level of participation by each region. District Masters will be instrumental in assisting with the distribution logistics and the anticipated target beneficiaries being considered are veterans, veteran’s hospitals, veteran service organizations, “Wounded Warrior” and “Honor Flight” programs. Since the distributions will occur in the spring of 2016, the cutoff date for funding this program is December 31, 2015.

Although this sounds like a very aggressive plan, with every Council’s and Assembly’s help, we should very easily achieve our goal. The first fundraising consideration should be conducting a “Wheelchair Sunday” at your church. This is where The American Wheelchair Mission representatives will come to your church and make 10 minute presentations during each Mass on a given weekend. A second collection is usually taken for the mission. This program costs the Council nothing and takes very little effort.Additionally, it has no impact on the Church’s collection or any other regular or special collections. It is said that this is much easier than a pancake breakfast and is a great membership tool.

In Parishes where the Pastor will not approve a presentation during Mass, consider an event where The American Wheelchair Mission will receive the proceeds. This could include an after-mass announcement with an after-mass collection, pancake breakfast, car wash, or any other fundraising activity.

Finally, it is understood that there are very small Councils and doing an event may be difficult, but it is also understood, that every council can do something. With your help, and prayers, we will be delivering life-changing mobility to those in need. Help our State say “thank you” to those who have served us so well.


For more information, please contact the State Wheelchair Committeeman in your area:

NORTH: Louis Salvatore (925) 389-2318 loukofc76 at juno.com

CENTRAL: Michael Ohler (805) 231-0677 pgkbulldogg at aol.com

SOUTH: James Murphy (760) 406-1377 murpjm8 at gmail.com

Robert Rubio (310) 344-1590 robertarubio at ca.rr.com

Or Dan Moberg American Wheelchair Mission (208) 457-0745 dmoberg at amwheelchair.org

Steve Bolton State Program Director (714) 222-6880 sbolton293 at aol.com

Read this and much more in the July Knightletter on the State Council website

Fraternally,

Nicholas A. Ragusano
Communications Director
nragusano at kofc-1849.org



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