Knights of Columbus hosting 3rd Annual Patriot Dinner

NORWALK- Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly 100 (Norwalk) is hosting its 3rd Annual Patriot Dinner on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 7p to benefit Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes in Bridgeport. The fundraiser dinner will take place at the Knights Hall (next to St. Ann Club) on 16 Hendricks Ave.

Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes (FS: FH) is Connecticut’s first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for homeless female Veterans and their young children. Housed at the Nicholas A. Madaras Home, FS:FH provides ten beds for female Veterans and five beds, when available, for their young children.

Since opening in 2011, the program helps female Veterans by meeting their needs for a safe, secure home and adequate food, and by empowering residents to move forward with their long-term goals: obtaining permanent housing, achieving financial stability, and working toward greater self-determination. Each resident works with a Case Manager to develop personal, housing, and employment goals. ABRI vocational staff coach residents in the job search process, including resume writing, interview techniques, computer training, and other life skills.

The PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home is named in tribute to a young soldier from Wilton, Connecticut. The organization Nick’s family and friends developed in his memory, Kick for Nick, was an integral part of making the vision for FS: FH a reality. Visit kickfornick.org to learn more about Nick Madaras, Kick for Nick, and the collaboration that has helped over 100 women Veterans regain their independence to date.

Faithful Navigator George Ribellino had a vision of a fundraiser once a year for a specific Veterans or Law Enforcement Organization when elected to lead the Assembly in September 2016. “One of my goals when I took over as the Faithful Navigator of the Assembly was to assist an organization that works and helps our veterans and our law enforcement, said Ribellino. Assembly Member Al Latte is in charge of the catering part of the dinner. Ribellino went on the say “I am so appreciative of Brother Al for being in charge of the kitchen. I am thankful for him and the Brother Knights who will be preparing a delicious Italian meal that evening.” Last year the Inaugural Patriot Dinner raised $1400 for Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport and an additional $500 for the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets.

Reservations can be made on line at http://assembly100.org/payments/ or by calling George Ribellino at 203-856-7101. The donation is $20 per person and children 10 and under are $7. The meal is a family style Italian supper which includes salad, bread, pasta, meatballs, sausage and dessert. Reservations are needed by Tuesday, April 10th. No walk-ins.

"I am so excited for our Assembly to continue our new tradition of an Annual fundraiser to help our veterans and law enforcement who have and continue defend our freedom and way of life and keep us safe. If you are interested sign up quickly since limited seating is available," said Faithful Navigator George Ribellino, Jr.

Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, is based in Norwalk, CT since 1914. The Fourth Degree is the outgrowth and culmination of the desire of the Members to manifest their love for country and pride in their Catholic American heritage. In 1882, the Reverend Michael J. McGivney had founded the Knights of Columbus to provide mutual aid and assistance to its members and their families. At that time the Order had only three Degrees exemplifying the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. In compliance with the wishes of the body as a whole, the national board of directors met in August 1899 and approved the addition of a Fourth Degree to the work of the Knights of Columbus. The new ritual was adopted on the 9th of December and went into effect in 1900 with its primary purpose to foster the spirit of patriotism through the demonstration of one’s love for its country and by responsible citizenship. It is the highest Degree in the Knights of Columbus, giving a greater knowledge and appreciation for our Catholic heritage. For more information, go to Assembly100.org.