Council Knights to Conduct the Intellectual Disabilities “Tootsie Roll” Fund Drive September-October—Goal is $7800

     In-Person Street Collection September 17-19—Call Nick Battaglia at 773-820-1752 to sign up, or sign up in person at the next Council Business meeting on Sept. 9.

     Virtual GoFundMe Intellectual Disabilities Fund Drive September-October—To contribute choose this GoFundMe link (Fundraiser for John Ernst by James Halama : St. Irene Intellectual Disabilities Fund Drive (gofundme.com). The virtual drive is targeted to be conducted within the Warrenville Community.

     People with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) have limitations in intellectual functions like communicating, taking care of themselves, and impaired social skills. Depending on the level of impairment, many with ID live in special facilities and group homes. Although they are state supported, funding is limited.

     The St. Irene Knights of Columbus has conducted the ID fund drive every year since its founding in 1975. Prior to 2020, we conducted a street solicitation for funds by selling Tootsie Rolls. It was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. This year, Knights will resume a street solicitation on Sept. 17-19, but in a limited basis.

     Half the money raised will be donated to the Cupertino Group Home located in Warrenville (a Clare Woods Academy operated facility, Carol Stream). The remaining half will be split between Western DuPage Special Recreation Association , Special Camps for Special People of Winfield, and Illinois Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. All 100% of the funds we receive from this GoFundMe drive go to support these organizations. Except for the cost of the candy, 100% of the money raised from the street solicitation is donated to the designated organizations.

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    When you see Knights in yellow vests that read Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities, you should smile. When these Knights are holding their bright cans and collecting donations around town, they are helping to recognize the dignity of every person. For every donation, each donor is offered a piece of candy by the Knight present, most commonly a Tootsie Roll. Because of these little gifts of appreciation, the Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities has frequently referred to as the Tootsie Roll Drive. It is a popular and successful fundraisers conducted by Knights of Columbus councils.

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