Ridgewood Knights Raise over $30,000 for Local Charities at Centennial Celebration
Ridgewood-NJ-June 17, 2014: The Ridgewood Knights of Columbus Council #1736 celebrated their 100-year anniversary on Saturday, June 14, 2014. The day was a testament to the Knights’ dedication and service to Ridgewood and the surrounding community. The evening began with a celebratory mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, offered by The Most Reverend Archbishop Bernard Hebda, to a standing-room-only crowd. Guests then adjourned next door to an open-air reception. Many former Grand Knights and their families were in attendance. Jerry Vivino and his orchestra provided the live entertainment. Joe Antonacci, a Ridgewood resident, former Grand Knight, and a noted boxing ring announcer, was master of ceremonies for the evening. There were many unique and once-in-a-lifetime silent and live auctions offered, such a weekend rental of a Porsche 911, a round of golf at the Ridgewood Country Club, and an evening dinner with the priests of Mount Carmel. The auctions were lively and well spirited.
Sean Noble, the current Grand Knight, thanked the many supporters and organizers of the event. In particular, he thanked Brian Conn, who had the vision of an event on such a grand scale, which initiated the planning process over a year ago; Dave Seaman, Mark Stappenbeck, and Pete Bernardo, who handled the fundraising and financial planning; Joe Carey, Kevin Casey, and Doug Findlay, who managed the infrastructure and catering; Tim Bradley, who managed the printing of the programs and invitations; and Andy Meyer, in charge of the entertainment committee. “While this evening was the culmination of a year’s worth of planning, it really marks a beginning for the next 100 years for the Knights in Ridgewood”, said Noble.
The Knights also paid tribute to Daniel McGinley, a brother Knight who worked in the World Trade Center and was killed on 9-11. Pat Mullin lead the crowd in a special rendition of “Danny Boy”.
Through the generosity of local businesses and residents, over $30,000 in donations was raised, which will go to benefit three worthy organizations: the Ridgewood
