STANWOOD — Nearly 200 people attended a fundraising dinner in August meant to support military chaplains and to help send veterans to Europe for a time of prayer and healing.
The Knights of Columbus, a men’s organization that supports the Catholic Church through charity work, put on the meal.
St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Stanwood was decked out in red, white and blue and filled to capacity with diners. The event honored U.S. veterans.
Along with dinner, there was a dedication ceremony for a new flagpole near the church, speeches, a blessing, recognition of those who served in each branch of the military, and time to honor those who were prisoners of war or went missing in action.
The Monroe Little Jazz Orchestra played music from the 1940s. Diners enjoyed a dinner of lasagna and salad followed by root beer floats.
Proceeds from the event went to a statewide total of more than $50,000 raised for the Military Chaplain Fund, according to the Knights of Columbus.
The local branch, which includes Stanwood and Camano Island, declined to give a total for how much was raised during the event at St. Cecilia.
“The Knights of Columbus, we’re part of a puzzle,” event organizer Tom Connerton said. “Every council in the United States is doing fundraisers like this. We’re part of the pie.”
Money also goes toward a national effort to send disabled veterans to Catholic shrines in Lourdes, France, and Fatima, Portugal.
Warriors to Lourdes is an annual journey for those who have served in the military, their caregivers and volunteers to a shrine in France. The retreat is focused on healing, prayer and connecting with other members of armed services from around the world.
The theme of this year’s event is “Pacem in Terris,” or Peace on Earth.
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.
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