Knights of Columbus council in Addison presents checks to local nonprofits at annual charity breakfast

Damon Hildde Council 650 of the Knights of Columbus held its annual charity breakfast in Addison on Sunday, presenting checks to a slate of local nonprofits and school programs and recognizing longtime volunteers.

The council named Michael Griggsby its “Night of the Year” honoree for extensive volunteer work supporting breakfasts, fish fries and event logistics. Representatives from the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Phillip, DuPage High School District 88, Clearbrook, Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley, NEZRA, the Kids Equipment Network, the Shriners, Nativity House, the Henry Hide Resource Center and Gateway Learning joined the event to accept donations and describe services to the community.

“We assist people in Addison who hit a part of their life where they have lack of funds,” said Rich, speaking for the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Phillip, and thanking the Knights for supporting efforts that helped the society respond to “over a 100 calls” since the group’s fiscal year began in October. “Without their help, our job would be a lot more difficult.”

Dr. Gene Barbarente, superintendent of DuPage High School District 88, told attendees the district’s transition program — which serves students aged 19 to 22 — has grown from about 11 students at its start to nearly 60 today. He also said the school board is considering a bond proposal and stated there would be “no tax increase associated with any proposal that’s out there” as the district explores facility updates for career-pathway programs.

Katie Vch, director of development at Clearbrook, said Clearbrook serves more than 8,000 people across the northwest Chicago suburbs and operates about 60 residential homes. Debbie, a Clearbrook program participant who joined the event, thanked the council for the support.

Gabrielle Niccastro, development project manager at Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley, said her agency provides pediatric therapies including physical, occupational and speech-language services and sees “more than 1,000 children each week,” including roughly 170 families from Addison Township; she added about 70% of the children served are under age six.

A NEZRA representative described the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association’s offerings — more than 600 program options and more than 2,000 annual registrations — and noted the Knights’ contributions to the organization. “Between all the councils of the Knights, they’ve donated to Nedro over $18,000,” the speaker said.

Speakers for the Kids Equipment Network and the Shriners described services that supply adaptive medical equipment, pediatric care, and transportation supports; Kids Equipment Network representatives said they serve about 230 children a year and are pursuing a permanent warehouse location. Venus Waznjak of Nativity House described housing and wraparound supports the group provides to up to two mothers at a time for up to a year, and Kiki Duna of the Henry Hide Resource Center said a council donation and recent holiday meal distribution met immediate family needs in the community.

Amy Fehee, chair of Gateway Learning’s board, thanked the council for long-term support that helps Gateway run day programs, employment-preparedness training and five commercial kitchens used as training sites for adults with learning and developmental disabilities.

Event organizers also announced a limited challenge-coin raffle — 500 coins at $20 each — with a $1,000 prize to raise funds for the parish and local school facility needs. The emcee closed by thanking sponsors and volunteers and encouraging attendees to support the council’s donors and future events.

The breakfast highlighted local nonprofit partnerships that officials and service providers said are essential to meeting needs ranging from immediate rent and utility assistance to long-term therapy, vocational training and veteran supports. Donation amounts from the council for the individual recipients were not specified during the presentations.