Vince Belevender is proud of the work the Knights of Columbus in Clarkston have accomplished.
The current Grand Knight has been with the Catholic organization for 10 years, and has seen thousands of dollars go towards people in need.
“We are a family organization. Our main function is to be family-oriented and give to charity.”
The Clarkston Knights of Columbus, which is Council #5436 Pope John XXIII, is 40-years-old and 350 members strong.
Belevender’s role as grand knight means overseeing the complete operation of the council and running it as best it can.
He was introduced to the Knights of Columbus by fellow members, through church, who persuaded him to join. The 67-year-old first visited the organization on a Friday night Fish Fry.
“I liked what I saw and I joined it,” he said.
It didn’t take long before Belevender was right in the middle of the action starting out as secretary, moving on to chancellor, deputy grand knight and into his current position. (Each is a two-year term. After this term, up in June, he will become a trustee for three years.)
“I didn’t realize that in our own community of Clarkston we have so many young people that are either retarded or handicapped and you really don’t see it until you join an organization like this and get involved.”
The 14-year Clarkston resident considers himself fortunate and wants to give something back to show his appreciation.
“Prior to coming to the Knights of Columbus, I had a pretty decent job,” Belevender said, who worked more than 30 years indirectly with Chrysler Corporation, never missing a day of work, and retiring five years ago as director of damage prevention and claims.
“You have to give something back if you’re so fortunate,” also noting wife of 42 years, Jean, their three children and six grandchildren have enjoyed good health. “That’s one reason why I do this.”
“Seeing these people they are as happy as can be. When you give them a gift, even something small and inexpensive, they think the world of it. It’s nice to see their face light up and how much they appreciate it. Just doing things for people makes you feel good.”
The Knights of Columbus are famous for their “Tootsie Roll Drive,” more formally known as the Mental Retardation Drive, held annually near Easter.
Last year, the Clarkston council collected $13,103.64.
The money was spread out and given to several organizations who help individuals with special needs in various ways including the Kingsley Montgomery Development Center for education ($1,800); Judson Center for housing, job training and placement ($1,000); Special Needs Children of North Oakland County for education ($1,000); The Arc of Oakland County for education, research and advocacy ($1,400); New Horizons of Springfield Township for training ($1,600); Easter Seal Society–Gateway Program for training for individuals 26 years and older ($1,800); Coffee House, a social gathering for special needs people ($1,900); and SCAMP of Clarkston, a summer camp program ($2,603.64.).
“If you see us out there with our yellow shirts on for the retarded, please be generous.”
Belevender recalls a generous moment in last year’s drive.
“A gentlemen came up and opened up his window. He had given me a $50 bill. I said, ‘I haven’t got change.’ He said, ‘That’s for you guys.’ I said, ‘Well thank you very much.’ He said, ‘No thank you for all the wonderful work you guys do.’ So that was kind of nice.”
But, the Easter drive is not the only way the Knights help others. Belevender said there is so much more.
This Christmas, the Knights will be presenting a check for $1,000 to a local pregnancy help center. They’re collecting approximately 100 sweatshirts for Boysville in Clinton. They support the Right to Life of Metro Detroit and Right to Life of North Oakland County. They often give to Lighthouse. They’re supporting the Spraypark campaign, proposed for Clintonwood Park in memory of Renee Pryzbylski, a young woman who passed away from cancer. They donate the hall free of charge for use as Coffee House every Tuesday for special needs individuals. They support two seminarians a year with $500 scholarships.
Not only do the Knights give to organizations but they also help out specific individuals in need. Money from the 50/50 raffle on Friday night fish fries are donated to who they deem worthy. And proceeds from weekly Bingo, which Belevender is the chairman of, go toward charity as well.
Belevender said that’s still not all the Knights do.
“During the year, people will send us letters or talk to us and tell us their need of money –the individuals or families. We look into it and we help them out.”
The Knights receive between 10 and 16 letters a week from people and groups asking for help.
For example, the hall was donated for a benefit for Tricia Taylor, a Clarkston teen who lost her legs when she was hit by a drunk driver last year.
The Knights also hold several events within a year, free of charge, such as holiday children’s parties, a Religious Appreciation Dinner, the Young at Heart Thanksgiving dinner for seniors, and more.
And don’t forget about the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. “They do wonderful charity work year round. They originated in 1968 and have been going strong ever since.”
Belevender said, “We do this all for charity and it’s very heartwarming. It’s very gratifying to know you are doing something for somebody because they may not be as fortunate as you or I. We sure are looking for men to join the Knights of Columbus. And if you would like to be part of this organization, you can call me at (248) 625-6204. Even better than that, if you would like to join me for a Friday night fish dinner, any Friday night starting at 6 p.m., I’ll treat you and your family to a fish dinner and maybe we can show you what the Knights of Columbus are all about. We’d like to have you join us.”