Knights of Columbus Council 13341

Tootsie Roll May 10th

The Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive, officially known as the "Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities," is a longstanding charitable initiative aimed at supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This annual fundraiser is widely recognized for its volunteers donning bright yellow vests and offering Tootsie Rolls in exchange for donations.

Origins and Purpose

The campaign began in 1970 in Tinley Park, Illinois, when members of a local Knights of Columbus council sought to raise funds for individuals with mental disabilities. They chose Tootsie Rolls as a token of appreciation for donors due to the candy's popularity and shelf stability. The initial drive raised $30,000 in just two days, inspiring other councils to adopt the model. Today, the campaign has expanded across 44 states, becoming one of the Knights' most successful charitable programs

100th Habitat

In January 2017, a group of dedicated men from the St. Cosmas and Damien Knights of Columbus began a humble tradition—showing up, month after month, to help build homes and hope with Manatee Habitat. Now, 100 consecutive months later, their commitment has blossomed into a legacy of service, faith, and community impact that continues to inspire everyone around them.

Fittingly, the Knights completed their 100th month of service the day before Good Friday—during Holy Week, a time of deep spiritual reflection and renewal. For a group so grounded in faith and charity, the timing could not have been more meaningful.

“Looking back, it’s hard to believe we’ve reached 100 months,” shared Chancellor Mike Mahan. “Our council stays very active throughout the year, so this is truly an unprecedented accomplishment we can all be proud of.”

Text$1,000 Scholarship Opportunities

$1,000 Scholarship Opportunities

Application Deadline: May 1st

For an application or more details, please contact:

📩 Jerry Graceffo – 5250lwr@gmail.com
📩 Gordon Shellhaas – gordon.shellhaas@msn.com
📩 Al Valenti – avalenti3@msn.com

What's Going On / Our Council in Action

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, the 40 Days was a peaceful and educational effort, by which we sent a powerful message to the community about the tragic reality of abortion, and the infinite value of the divinely created human life in the womb from the point of conception.
Council 13341 charted the Marina Jack ll Seabreeze for a 2hr fundraising cruise on Sarasota Bay. We raised a total of $1671.00 for St Michael’s food pantry.
Past Grand Knight Jerry Graceffo received Triple Star Award from District Deputy Kirk Brown
PGK Jerry Graceffo received the Shining Armor Award
The St. Cosmas and Damien Knights of Columbus joined Habitat for Humanity for our 97th consecutive month of volunteering! We also gave agenerous donation to support our mission of building homes, communities, and hope.
Membership Director John Coliton received a challenge coin from District Deputy Kirk Brown for the council membership growth.
Council members attend our Corporate Mass as a group, wearing their red Council shirts, to reinforce the concept that the Knights are a firmly committed religious organization
Council 13341 and Assembly 3192 gathered to honor and thank their past leaders for outstanding leadership during the last 21 years.
On January 18, 2024 our council presented a $2500.00 to Habitat for Humanity. From left to right- Glenn Fitzpatrick, an unknown Habitat volunteer, Rich McBride, Mike Mahan, Rick Kuebel, Habitat CEO Bernie Quinn, Carl Perkins, Jack McDonnell.
At the January 2024 Council Meeting, Car Show Chairman Mike Mahan presented a check for $15,000 to St. Jude representatives Anne and David Parker
Tootsie Roll Drive
Council #13341 assists the food bank at St. Michael’s Church in Wauchula. The activity occurs weekly on Friday and consists of unloading, sorting and storing donated food items. St. Michael’s receives approximately 11,000 pounds of food per week. The items are given to the community on Saturday mornings. The pantry is actively managed by the Sisters of St. Michaels.
Fish Fry Crew
Concession stand at Ed Smith Stadium