Local Knights of Columbus See Rise in Membership

The Knights of Columbus’ mission is clear: To help those in need. True to that founding principle, the Knights of Columbus, Red Bank Council 3187 on Fair Haven Road, has served numerous charities and has recently been able to help more in need.

That’s because of a recent spike—in membership and fundraising activities—has allowed the Knights to expand its charitable giving. Its membership this year alone has increased 15 percent and is up about 35 percent over the past few years, according to estimates by those in the organization. In one month alone, they knighted 41 brothers, said Jim Booth, the Grand Knight, who is charged with overseeing the entire organization.

“Our council is doing better than average,” Booth said, himself a member for 20 years. The group is seeing “people wanting to be involved and helping other people.” It’s been a “banner few years,” said Booth, who saw the trend of new memberships begin about four years ago. The organization hasn’t just attracted Catholic men from the Fair Haven area, but from Rumson, Red Bank, Atlantic Highlands, Sea Bright and Middletown, Booth said. The churches it serves are St. James, St. Anthony’s, Holy Cross and the Nativity.

“We added 11 more guys this past month,” said James Formisano, a new member to the Knights. “There’s a lot of stuff going on. We’re starting to get more organized and get the calendar full of events.”

While it is no small task to get people to join an organization and donate their time and energy, the Knights of Columbus 3187 has bucked the trend—breathing new life into the organization. Indeed, some of those new members are younger, and have replaced older members who have relocated to warmer Southern locations. They have also helped upgrade the council hall.

Miles Svikhart, a three-year member, detailed the improvements made to the building. The rooms were revamped and painted, new lighting was installed, and floors were refinished. New dart boards, new flat-screen TVs and a new sign were also installed. Its party room renovation has resulted in more party hall rentals—and more money for charitable causes. Additional improvements will also include hardwood flooring in the bar area and a new pool table.

Many knights interviewed told a similar story: A friend, who was a member of the organization, introduced them to the Knights of Columbus. Once they saw what the organization was about, they joined. And all said they are glad they did.

“I have a great time while helping others,” said two-year member Anthony Caviglia. Introduced to the organization by a friend, Caviglia said he drawn to the “community service aspect” of the group. “A lot of people need a hand, especially in this economy we’re in. More people seem to need help.” He described the knights as “great guys.”  On a recent Friday night, he could be seen tending bar, which is open on Friday nights and for special events.

Formisano also said he was also introduced to the group by a friend and was attracted to the charitable aspect of the organization. “It’s like our own little town clubhouse,” said Formisano, and it’s all about “taking care of each other.”

While founded as a Catholic organization, wtih members of the Catholic faith, fundraisers aren’t focused solely to benefit that denomination, Booth said. Instead, the Knights have a “broader perspective to help those in need.” Some groups that have benefited from the Knights include ARC, Deborah Hospital, the Food Bank in Red Bank, and even a local family dealing with a loved one’s loss and economic hardship, according to Booth.

“Our mission is to raise money, but give it right away,” said Booth.

Aside from spaghetti dinners, dart tournaments and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations—and collections such as eyeglasses for the needy and winter coat drive for kids—new fundraisers are planned for this week. 

The Knights will hold their first annual golf outing on September 30 at the Rumson Country Club. About 92 golfers have already signed up, and additional 40 people have signed up for the dinner afterward, according to Svikhart. The event will raise money for additional improvements to the hall and also for charity.

Another upcoming event is the Knight’s Blood Drive, to be held on October 1, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. People can sign up on the Knights website,   http://kofc3187.com/ , or just show up, said Formisano, who is running the drive. According to Svikhart, if the Blood Drive goes well, they will schedule one every quarter.

Those who want to rent their party room, become a Knight, or want to help the organization, can visit their website, or call for information. For those who wish to book their council room for parties, it can accommodate up to 200 people.