Florida Catholic | Knights Sponsor Picnic

Knights treat residents to picnic

Published: 10.05.07

Residents at Sunland Training Center enjoy a picnic sponsored by Christ our Redeemer Council 13527 of the Knights of Columbus.

MARIANNA | The residents of Sunland Training Center, a residential facility in Marianna for individuals with mental handicaps, enjoyed a picnic Sept. 8 provided by the Father Howard J. Lesch Council 7667 and the Christ Our Redeemer Council 13527 of the Knights of Columbus. This year’s event was the 18th annual picnic.

The councils, both in Niceville, have an ongoing supportive relationship with residents of two cottages at the center, the Hayes Cottage for men and the Buchanan Cottage for women. Each cottage is home to 23 to 24 residents.

The picnic is only one part of the relationship shared by the Knights and the residents. In December, the residents are transported to the parish hall at Holy Name of Jesus Parish where a Christmas party awaits, complete with food, sweets, carols, gifts and a visit from St. Nicholas. The Knights pick up the list of Christmas gift recommendations for each resident during the planning for the September picnic.

Twenty Knights helped arrange this year’s picnic, procuring meats to grill, transporting grills to the center, and cooking and serving up food and entertainment. They’re assisted by their wives and other family members who make salads and side dishes, and help cook and serve the food.

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Knights treat residents to picnic

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