Knights make donation

Knights make donation to Ormsby ARC

Editor:

On April 13, Phil Kerrigan, chairman for the Gardnerville Knights of Columbus Annual Tootsie Roll Drive, felt a great sense of accomplishment when he presented $2,244.83 to the Ormsby Association of Retarded Citizens in Carson City. The ARC is a nonprofit organization that works with children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. They provide assistance in job training, finding employment, and acquiring skills to live independent lives. ARC also works with local transit groups to provide transportation for these individuals.

The Knights of Columbus raises funds for this cause through a Tootsie Roll Drive at Carson Valley markets. The knights handed out free Tootsie Rolls to shoppers and accepted donations. The fundraiser took place in October 2006 when several brother knights took shifts in front of Wal-Mart, Raley's, Smith's and Scolari's stores. Donations were also collected at St. Gall Catholic Church after each service that weekend. Phil wants to thank the businesses who took part and the folks in our community who donated to this worthy cause. The only expense for this drive is the cost of the Tootsie Rolls. In addition to the funds donated to ARC, about 20 percent of the proceeds were donated toward Nevada's Special Olympic program.

The presentation was made in the workshop at the Ormsby ARC Thrift Store where trainees learn skills needed to get employment at local businesses. This facility currently has 28 trainee-workers. Those present during the presentation were currently working on the G.E. Energy Ð Minden Siltape contract. Mary Winkler, executuve director for ARC, accepted the check from Phil Kerrigan. Others present were; Robert Simola, ARC occupational program coordinator, Crystal Brown, trainer, and trainees Riley Ballestro, Jack Parker and Alec Gourley.

Richard Morrissette

Knights of Columbus