Knights of Columbus saluting a Special Olympics Iowa athlete as he carries the torch at the 2006 Special Olympics Iowa State Summer Games

In 1975, Special Olympics Iowa was in a critical financial situation. State Deputy Frank Wilder was asked by Special Olympics Iowa Chairperson, Maureen Soliday, if there was anything the Knights of Columbus could do to help save Special Olympics in our state. The Knights at the Iowa State Convention voted to give a portion of the 10 percent of the money raised through their annual Drive for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities to Special Olympics Iowa therefore keeping the programs alive.

Ed Lehner was appointed by State Deputy Wilder to be on the Board of Directors, and a Knight has been on the board ever since. The present State Deputy Jim Chambers is a board member at this time. The Supreme Council (in New Haven, CT) became involved with Special Olympics in 1980, and has donated well over two million dollars for the International Games. The Iowa State Council of the Knights of Columbus has given over $655,000 to Special Olympics Iowa from 1975 to 2004. They have also donated $10,000 in each of the last three years for the Knights of Columbus Board Room at the new Special Olympics Headquarters in Grimes.

In addition, Knights across Iowa have donated many hours working with persons with intellectual disabilities. They have helped athletes on a regular basis by volunteering at many sporting events and aiding those who need assistance in order to participate. They have also worked every event throughout the state, from regional to state wide events.

We thank the Knights of Columbus for their constant support and dedication to our athletes and our programs.

Knights of Columbus from Dubuque at the 2006 Special Olympics Iowa State Winter Games

Visit the Knights of Columbus - Iowa State Council Web site at: http://www.iowakofc.org/

February 2006

Dear Knights of Columbus,

From all of the Dubuque athletes, I would like to thank you for being our honor guards at the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Winter Games. I also appreciate all your support and contribution through the years. We are very fortunate to have you helping Special Olympics.

Sincerely,

Amy Powers (Special Olympics Iowa athlete and Global Messenger from Dubuque)

March 2006

Dear Knights of Columbus,

I would like to take this time to send you a special thank you. My son, Joe, was one of the athletes who lighted the torch at the Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games.

It is so wonderful for you to be there and be so thoughtful. Once again I would like to say my warmest thank you and I hope to see you there next year.

I do appreciate more than words can say that you are there.

Thank you,

Katherine M. Soy (Special Olympics Iowa athlete mother)