Sign In For Members Join Sign In
  • Donate

  • For Members

  • Who We Are

  • Our Mission Our Faith Our History Supreme Officers About Membership Video Library
  • What We Do

  • Charity Insurance Invest Donor-Advised Funds Programs Scholarships Churchloan
  • Get Involved

  • Join Donate Find a Council Store College Councils
  • News Hub

  • Latest News Columbia Knightline Faith Response Social Media Hub
  • Contact Us

  • Safe Environment Program

  • Careers

  • Who We Are

    What We Do

    Get Involved

    News Hub

    Maryland Knights Support Life

    PGK Dillow tells how Council 7914 is saving lives, one ultrasound machine at a time.

    by Mickey Dillow 10/21/2019

    Getting involved in pro-life work: from zero to 100%
    When I joined the Knights of Columbus in 2003, I knew almost nothing about Care-Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland which operates three offices: two in St. Mary’s County and one in Calvert County.

    At that time, very few K of C councils were involved in supporting Care-Net. Upon becoming grand knight in 2008, I began to look for ways to support their pro-life ministry. Our council began making yearly financial contributions to Care-Net.

    More than just money
    With the help of a few of the wives of brother Knights, we decided to organize a baby shower event to obtain needed items (such as diapers, formula, and clothing) to be given to mothers in need of assistance. Our council provided a luncheon for the women of our parish. Wives of brother Knights from neighboring councils were also invited. Cost of admission was simple: a gift for a mom in need. The shower was a resounding success and has become an annual event. This year, we filled three vans with gifts for Care–Net as well as cash donations in excess of $1,000.

    1, 2, 3 ultrasound machines
    In 2009, as part of the K of C Ultrasound Program, our council joined seven other councils to help cover the cost of an ultrasound machine for the Care-Net office in Lexington Park. In 2017, we helped sponsor a second machine.

    Melissa and her daughter, Destiny, show Destiny’s 3D ultrasound taken at Heartbeat of Miami Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic that received the ultrasound machine thanks to Council 14215 in Miami. (Image by David González)

    Article originally published in Knightline, a monthly resource for K of C leaders and members.Knightline archives. But, since there are three Care-Net offices, a third machine was needed. At the same time, we realized that the first machine we donated in 2009 was at the end of its useful life. So in 2018, I initiated a campaign to obtain the new machines.

    I was able to obtain a $5,000 donation from the American Heritage Girls based at our parish and $7,500 from a church drive initiated by a past grand knight at a nearby Calvert County council. We gave Care-Net funding for two new ultrasound machines in March 2019, presenting the check in front of 700 people at their annual banquet.

    Ongoing support and a lasting difference
    With three ultrasound machines now in place, we focus on raising approximately $20,000 per year to cover the clinical operating expenses for their ultrasound machines.

    Of the women who come to Care-Net for ultrasounds, 90% carry the baby to term.

    I am convinced that, through our support of Care-Net, we are making a huge difference. The key to being able to continue and increase support for them is through engaging each parish community along with the individual councils in those parishes.

    PRESS RESOURCES

    PRESS

    Logos & Emblems

    Photo Library

    Press Releases

    Recent News

    Supreme Convention

    Video Library

    PUBLICATIONS

    Chaplain's Report

    Columbia

    Fraternal Leader Advisory

    Knightline

    Knights in Action

    Share your Knights in Action News

    FOR PRESS INQUIRIES

    Please contact the
    Knights of Columbus News Bureau
    news@kofc.org, 475-255-0097

    Knights of Columbus 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510 203-752-4000

    Connect With #KOFC

    Who We Are

    Our Mission Our Faith Our History Supreme Officers About Membership Video Library

    What We Do

    Charity Insurance Invest Programs Scholarships Churchloan

    Get Involved

    Join Donate Find a Council Store College Councils

    Member Resources

    Sign In For Members Safe Environment Program Brand Assets Benefits
    This website uses cookies, including third-party cookies, to optimize the functionality of the website and for website analysis and statistics. To find out more about cookies and how to change your cookie settings, please go to our Cookie Policy. Click Allow if you agree to the use of cookies.