To the Editor,
Last weekend Masconomo Council 1232 Manchester-by-the Sea Knights of Columbus successfully concluded its annual fall fundraiser. That signature Council program supports a wide range of charitable activities of which Council 1232 can be justifiably proud.
The generosity of parishioners from Sacred Heart, Manchester-by- the-Sea and St. John’s, Essex, as well as that of well-wishers from throughout Cape Ann and beyond enabled the Council to raise substantial funds this year. Funds raised for 2019 achieved a record amount for the Council’s fundraising over the past twelve years. That will allow us to extend and strengthen our charitable outreach.
Our fundraising success is attributable both to the support of the raffle by Cape Ann residents and to the generosity of Cape Ann restaurants and businesses that have supported Council 1232’s raffle with goods and services since its inception. This giving program would not exist without the loyal support of our contributing businesses. We are grateful for their continued support.
We are indebted to the following area businesses for their commitment to the community and Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus:
Manchester-by-the-Sea: Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus; Sullco; Manchester Athletic Club; Stonybrook Water; Cape Ann Savings Bank; Allen’s Pharmacy; Standley’s Garage; Nor’ East Frameworks; Crosby’s Marketplace; Allie’s Beach Street Café; Moorings; Cala’s; Manchester Ace Hardware; Nor’East Cleaners and Harrigan’s Fine Wine & Spirits.
Gloucester: Sudbay Motors; Scott Energy; Lobsta Land; The Causeway Restaurant; Bass Rocks Golf Club; The Liquor Locker and Atlantis Ocean Front Café.
Essex: Windward Grille; The Village Restaurant; Shea’s Riverside and The Blue Marlin Grille.
Rockport: Roy Moore Lobster Co.
Beverly Farms: Chapman’s Greenhouse and Del Mare.
Beverly: Beverly Depot Restaurant and Beverly Depot Diner.
Prides Crossing: Prides Crossing Confections.
Peabody: Outback Steakhouse.
Lynnfield: Davio’s.
Grand Knight Mastendino pointed out Masconomo Council 1232’s effort to raise awareness about the Christian genocide perpetrated by ISIS, again this year brother Knights built a backyard utility shed (with materials generously donated by the Building Center-Gloucester) whose sale proceeds and other contributions were donated to aid Christian refugees fleeing terror in Syria and Iraq. We were able to send more than $5000 in relief aid to the national Knights of Columbus Christian Refugee Relief fund through the generosity of our neighbors in Manchester, Essex and throughout Cape Ann. We are most grateful for their charity. Last year and this, Council 1232 sent nearly $9000 to alleviate Christian refugee suffering in the Middle East.
On Columbus Day weekend knights donned vests and extended canisters for our annual Tootsie Roll fund drive for the intellectually disabled of all ages. Again we thank those who contributed to this worthy cause.
Jeff Mastendino
Grand Knight, Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus
