Serving intellectually disabled and/or physically challenged youth and adults in the
Saint Anthony Schools and McGuire Memorial Home and Schools.
With over 66 years of participation, the Knights of Columbus have donated over $6 million to the project.
How We Fundraise
There are unlimited ways in which this project may raise donations. Historically, the primary three processes are shown to the right. The Web site is new to the project (2015). Knights of Columbus councils have raised more independently raised funds by such methods as scrap Aluminum collections, “Night at the Races” functions, fundraising dinners, etc. (Each council will individually decide and promote these as deemed appropriate. Look for these types of events year round.) Occasionally, the project has been bequeathed a donation, provided a donation from a foundation, or provided employer matching fund offers.
Church and School Drive
Originally known as the “Penny Collection”, this growing fundraising approach is often conducted at the local Catholic Schools wherein students can buy “dress-down” days and such.
Knights of Columbus councils also will solicit donations at Mass.
Christmas Seals
Distribution of seals through the Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic churches was the original fundraising method and about 100,000 seals will be distributed this year. Each year, the seal image is changed and will usually show the Bishop with students at St. Anthony School Program and/or McGuire Memorial Home.
Tootsie Roll Drive
Since the early 1980s, Knights have been passing out Tootsie Rolls at generous area merchants in the hopes of donations. The Tootsie Roll Industries has long manufactured Tootsie Rolls for us with specially marked wrappers. This effort generates about 25 percent of donations made to the project.
Causes
The beneficiaries of this project are the St. Anthony School Programs and the McGuire Memorial Home. Their mission statements are provided below.
Saint Anthony School Programs
- Saint Anthony School Programs provides an inclusive educational environment for children ages 5-21 with Autism, Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Reguardless of race or creed we education and train our students to become productive members of our region and live their lives to the fullest academically, sociall, vocationally and spiritually.
McGuire Memorial Home
- McGuire Memorial is a co-sponsored ministry of the Felician Sisters of North America and the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Forming a joy-filled community of Christian believers, McGuire Memorial is committed to providing comprehensive services to people with mental and physical disabilities that may include complex medical conditions and offers supportive services to their families and caregivers.
Soon after I was baptized in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, the Bishop at the time asked the Knights of Columbus to take on a special mission of raising funds for children with special needs in our diocese.
From that moment on, the Bishop’s Project has been a powerful witness to the importance of this work, and to the long-standing generosity of the Knights.
Now, as the Bishop of Pittsburgh, it means so much to me to see this work still going strong and changing lives. I’m grateful to be with you, and I ask all Catholics to join me in supporting this mission of faith and charity.
Most Reverend Mark A. Eckman
Bishop, Diocese of Pittsburgh