THE ORANGE COUNTY Chapter of the Knights of Columbus held this year’s “Day of Sharing” event – a fun carnival-like atmosphere for kids and adults with developmental disabilities – on the campus of the Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park.
EVERY YEAR THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HOSTS A CARNIVAL FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. PHOTOS BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
It was originally called “Weekend of Love,” a two-day event founded by the late Frank Nigro, former chapter president.
Last month’s event — now in its 44th year — featured a fun day of carnival games, train rides and various food booths – including the perennial favorites of popcorn and snow cone machines.
The Day of Sharing event was co-chaired by brother Knights Glen Howard and Ron Klucsar.
Months of planning and coordination go into making this event a success.
GUESTS ENJOY A CARNIVAL RIDE AT THE 44TH ANNUAL “DAY OF SHARING” EVENT HOSTED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.
Without the combined efforts of nearly 200 Knights, family members, friends and other volunteers representing 36 Knights of Columbus Councils and one 4th Degree
Assembly in the Diocese of Orange, the day would not be possible.
A total of 985 “man-hours” were expended to pull off this year’s event. That included planning meetings, phone calls, registration (mailing, emailing and wristbands registration) with over 833 “manhours” devoted to set up, clean up and take down.
According to Knights of Columbus Orange County Chapter President Vince Vasquez, there were a variety of games for all interests and skill levels.
“All of the games are designed with our guests’ special needs in mind,” he said. “We have everything from a game where kids throw whiffle balls into a box with tic-tac-toe patterns, to basketball hoops and a putting green.”
He continued: “We have a DJ playing music and about 25 brother Knights preparing and serving over 500 hamburgers and 180 hot dogs throughout the day.”
There’s even a photo booth donated by one of the local councils and a guy making balloon animals.
“One of my fondest memories is when a non-vocal gentleman came up to the game booth I was working at during the first Day of Sharing I attended,” recalled Vasquez. “He played the game and got to pick whatever
prize is on the table. He chose a big pair of sunglasses, put them on and smiled.”
He added: “This was the first time his face even moved. My brother Knight turned to me and said, ‘Wow! We just saw the face of Christ.’ “I turned around and cried. I have not missed one Day of Sharing since and will continue to help and support this event.”
“Funding for the Day of Sharing was provided by donation drives held by individual councils, pulpit announcements at Mass, restaurant fundraising and Tootsie Roll drives, according to Klucsar.
Over 1,000 stuffed animals were on hand for game prizes, along with 500 Angels baseball hats and other small trinkets that were donated for the event.
“This year’s event was a success due to our chapter president, Vince Vasquez, committee leads and all our brother Knights working together to bring a day of sunshine, fun and smiling faces to our special guests,” added Klucsar.
For more information of the Orange County Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, visit https://ockc.net/