Special Olympics
Utah Knights of Columbus has a strong support for Special Olympics. Assemblies and councils can support an athlete, make a donation or participate in an activity. In 2016 we had two Color Corps averaging 14 men per event and over 1,500 athletes were “High-Fived”. We have many special events planned for this year.
2025 Calendar of Events and Contribution Form
Your financial support is vital to the continued success of this program. We are aiming for support from 100% of the councils this year. You can lend your support right now. Any amount will be accepted (it costs about $250 to support one athlete for one year). Just print out the form, fill in the information, include your check, and mail it to the address on the form. Any amount will be accepted. Additionally, when councils that donate and report it to supreme, they will support the athletes as well.
Scholarships
Utah Knights of Columbus Endowment Scholarship
The objective is to assist a Catholic student, graduating from a Utah high school, with their expenses during their first year of continuing education at a college, university or technical institute of their choice. The winner of the scholarship is announced at the annual State Convention’s Saturday Banquet. – Scholarship Application Package
Requirements
- Graduating from high school this year
- A member or child of a member in a Utah council of the Knights of Columbus in good standing
- A child of a deceased member of a Utah council of the Knights of Columbus who was in good standing at the time of death.
- Minimum average GPA of 2.0.
- Acceptance to the college, university or technical institute of their choice.
Dan Higgins, PSD Memorial Scholarship
Provided by the Council 602 Columbian Society. Each application for the Utah Knights of Columbus Endowment Scholarship is shared with Judges for this scholarship, so you only have to apply once.
The Patriotic Scholarship of the Utah Fourth Degree
This scholarship is to assist a fourth degree member, his spouse or his children with their expenses of continuing education at a college, university or technical institute of their choice. The winner of the scholarship is announced at the annual State Convention. – Application
Soccer Challenge
The Soccer Challenge is a competition designed for boys and girls ages 9-14 to demonstrate the most challenging of soccer skills; the penalty kick. Each player is allowed 15 shots at the goal from the penalty line. The goal is divided into a series of five scoring zones. The upper corners of the goal are designated as 20 point zones. The lower corners are designated as 10 point zones and the central region is a five-point zone. All competitors must register using the official Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge Entry Form andt be residents of the State of Utah to enter. Ages 9, 10 and 11 use a #4 regulation-sized soccer ball and shoot from the 10-yard line. 12, 13 and 14 year olds use a #5 regulation size soccer ball and shoot from the 10-yard line. The Challenge is at the State level. The first, second and third place winners in each division are recognized (first place winners each receive a soccer ball). – Information from Supreme Council
Free Throw Championship
Held annually, the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 14 (age as of January 1). The championship is set up to have the contestants compete within their own gender and age group. All competition starts at the local level in January. Winners move on to the district competition in February and the state finals in March. At the Council level each contestant shoots 15 consecutive Free Throws. At the District and State level each contestant shoots 25 consecutive Free Throws. More information is available from Supreme Council page. – Official Rules
Science Fair
The Diocese of Salt Lake City Parochial schools have mission statements that serve to develop the whole child according to the dictates of the Gospel and the Catholic Church and are commissioned by the Church and delegated by parents to teach the children entrusted to their care. The Schools provide well-rounded programs by addressing the spiritual, academic, social, psychological, aesthetic and physical development of each person. The Utah Knights of Columbus, in the furtherance of this mission, assist by recognition, encouragement and award of Parochial School students and educators in their accomplishments in the field of science. The Knights of Columbus Diocesan Science Fair is open to all Diocesan Middle School students in grades 6, 7, and 8. All participants must have the approval of their teacher and parents. A project entry form must be completely filled out and given to the school representative for each exhibit and all fees paid prior to the fair. The Diocesan Science Fair is held annually in February.
Essay Contest
The Knights of Columbus Essay Contest is open to students graduating from Catholic elementary schools and Catholic high schools. The goal of the Knights Essay Contest is to give students the opportunity to define the role of a Catholic Citizen in a Free Society, and to strengthen the bond between the Knights of Columbus and Catholic schools. The theme of the Knights Essay Contest is announced each year (e.g., “The Importance of Religious Freedom”). Essays must be typed on 8.5″ x 11″ paper, one side, double spaced, with one-inch margins. Essays must be between 500 and 750 words long. The official responsible for the contest is the grand knight of the sponsoring council or faithful navigator of the sponsoring assembly.
Councils and assemblies should consider monetary awards along with certificates for winners in each category. – Information from Supreme Council. – Utah Guide.
Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest
Conducting a Knights of Columbus “Keep Christ in Christmas” Poster Contest is an excellent way to get the young people of your community thinking about the true meaning of Christmas.
Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest
This contest was for posters in two categories: Alcohol Awareness and Abuse & Drug Awareness and Abuse. Each poster includes a slogan reflecting either of the topics and an original visual image. With the “Faith in Action” program model, this was dropped as a supreme-recommended program, but it continued in Utah until there was a lack of interest and participation. Please contact a state officer if you would like to see it return.
Culture of Life
Every life is sacred, from the moment of conception till natural death. As Knights of Columbus, we are called to defend the dignity of each human being at every stage and work together in building a culture of life and a civilization of love. Every year the Knights of Columbus participate int he March for Life. Here are some Culture of Life ideas for councils from former Utah State Culture of Life Couple Kim and Don Franklin. There are also many other Utah Pro Life Groups you can work with.
Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP)
For every $500 a council or assembly donates to a pregnancy resource center or maternity home (up to $2,000), Supreme will donate $100. Our State Life Director put together these directions for councils donating.
Supreme Council ASAP Page – Current List of Approved Organizations in Utah
Questions?
Veterans
Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services (VAVS) Opportunities at the VA Hospital
You may serve Veterans at the VA Hospital in a full-time or part-time volunteer position. Whatever time you have to spare is always greatly appreciated! The hospital needs all types of volunteers from manning a telephone to driving Veterans. No position is too small. Please contact SK Joe Bouley, VAVS Representative, for more information. You can also visit the VA website or contact Chris Scott at Christopher.Scott3@va.gov or 801-582-1565.
More Opportunities To Serve Our Veterans
On several occasions the Knights are called upon to deliver gifts to our Veterans receiving short- and long-term care at the VA Hospital. These usually occur around Christmas, Veteran’s Day, Flag Day and Valentine’s Day. You can volunteer to help put these gift bags together and deliver them to the Veterans or you can donate items and funds to the cause. The Knights also provide Color Guards on occasion and may serve dinner at the Fisher House, where families of hospitalized Veterans stay.
Salt Lake City Fisher House
The Salt Lake City Fisher House (Fisher House VA page) has been supported by Utah Knights since before it was even built! As of February 8, 2023 Chuck Dover Jr is the Utah KofC Fisher House Chairman (introduction). Here is a quick reference about how to support and what to donate to the Fisher House. All donations should be accompanied by this Donation Form.
Questions?
Any VAVS questions can be forwarded to SK Joe Bouley or his deputy representatives, SK John Wainscott, PSD or SK Sid Cowand, PSD. Thank you for your generous support!
Coats for Kids
Every year councils collect money to buy winter coats for kids in need. Each council has its own way of distributing them from big fun events to quieter pickup times. Some councils will collect money after masses. Check with your local council or parish on how to donate and/or help.