Left to right Matt Seiler, Diane Zigrossi, Carl Magno and Bill Benz. PHOTO PROVIDED

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On Nov. 21, the Knights of Columbus presented the Special Olympics of Lee County with a check donation in the amount of $10,000. Proceeds were raised during a fundraising golf tournament held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Majestic Gold Club.

This marks the second year that the local Knights of Columbus have donated to the cause. Tournament Chairman Bill Benz, presented the check to Matt Seiler and Diane Zigrossi on behalf of the Special Olympics of Lee County. Mathew Seiler is one of the local athletes who trains and competes yearly with the organization.

According to Benz, this year was different from past fundraisers and had some challenges.

“This is our second year raising money for the cause. I was a little more challenging this year due to COVID-19. We held a golf tournament at Majestic Golf Club and were able to raise $10,000, which we awarded today to the Special Olympics here in Lee County. All the money raised came from local businesses and golf courses,” Benz said.

The Special Olympics is a cause dear to Benz’s heart and he has remained involved with the organization even after moving to Lehigh Acres from up North.

The Lee County Special Olympics has over 1,000 athletes who are involved in sports training and competition. The local chapter offers a variety of sports programs including: tennis, swimming, cycling, cheerleading, soccer, golf and flag football. Although this year’s programs were affected due to COVID-19 closures.

Florida Knights of Columbus donates more than $100,000 yearly to the state for Special Olympics and leads the way in other charities as well. Their charitable activities encompass a variety of local, national and international projects such as the Christian Refugee Relief Fund, Disaster Relief, Coats for Kids and partnering with charities including Habitat for Humanity.

The organization contributes locally each year by donating their time and efforts helping at events including St. Raphael Fall Festival and other church related fund raising initiatives.

On Saturday Nov. 21 the Knights of Columbus also helped serve 60 meals to members of the Lehigh Acres community.

For more information the Florida State Council of Knights of Columbus visit www.floridakofc.org or for the local Lehigh Acres Knights of Columbus 6265 visit www.kofc6265.org