Knights of Columbus Council 6099 in Chattanooga held its Pro-Life Barbecue on Sept. 27 to honor and celebrate several area pro-life organizations and hand out donation checks totaling $5,625.
The annual event, directed by council member Tim Bodnar, recognized the work of Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, which offers pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and counseling services; the Ladies of Charity, which operates a local thrift store and serves needy individuals and families; the Orange Grove Center, which provides services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; Signal Centers, serving those with disabilities, providing early-childhood education and fostering self-sufficiency; Special Olympics; and the Dream League, a baseball league for players with physical and/or mental challenges that promotes teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a fun, inclusive environment.
“This is the culmination of a yearlong series of fundraising events,” Mr. Bodnar said. “It starts with our annual Super Bowl pork-loin sale, which sold out this year, and includes a couple of KIND church drives, which Bill Balsis runs.”
KIND Charities of Tennessee is a Knights program that provides financial assistance and services to those with intellectual disabilities.
The Pro-Life Barbecue also raised more than $700 and was supported by Council 6099’s in-house band, Midlife Crisis, which featured member Knights and family members. More than 60 supporters attended, particularly members of St. Stephen, the council’s home parish, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga.