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It's always ladies 'Knight' for the Columbiettes
They aim to do right by community
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| | | The East Northport branch is 54 members strong. Courtesy T. Lofaro (click for larger version) | |
February 03, 2010 | 04:05 PM
Most people have heard of the Knights of Columbus. After all, it's the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization. But how about the Columbiettes?
They are the women who work in lockstep with their male counterparts to do good for the community.
"We really do try to make a difference," said Theresa Lofaro, president of the Father Thomas A. Judge Council 6893 Columbiettes of East Northport, named after a St. Anthony Padua Church priest who had a lasting impact on the community.
As a mother of four, Lofaro wanted to be a good role model for her daughters and also participate in the church. The Columbiettes seemed like the perfect fit. "I like to do charitable work and I think it's important to be involved," said Lofaro, who joined the auxiliary nine years ago.
With her mother, Patrina Fusco, and her oldest daughter, Patrina Lofaro, as members, the Lofaro family today boasts three generations of Columbiettes. They're part of the 54-member East Northport network that is unique because of its wide age span, from Patrina, 20, to Dorothy Caracappa, 86. The group puts on fashion shows, holds teas and square dances and endeavors to host at least three fundraisers a year. They have a bake sale at the East Northport Festival each September and participate at St. Anthony's Feast in June.
Each member participates in her own way and no one is pressured to do more than they can, Lofaro said.
Beneficiaries of the group's largess include the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Lloyd Harbor; the First Presbyterian Church of Northport's food pantry; Nickels for Nuns and Pennies for Priests. They also knit baby hats for newborns in Huntington Hospital and assemble books for blind children. Typically they raise about $5,000 a year, but 2009 was a banner year; the group raised $4,000 in one November evening with Elvis Night, which featured an impersonator.
The funds went to the family of U.S. Marine Corporal Christopher Scherer, who was killed in Iraq in 2007. In turn, the Scherers put the money toward refurbishing a gym at the Salvation Army's Northport Veterans Residence at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
"They are a wonderful group of women who have consistently supported our cause," Janet Scherer said.
One of the group's favorite charities, the Northport-East Northport Food Pantry, has benefited from its A Night at the Races dinner, where people pretend to be racehorses. Sally Stark, director of the pantry, said her coffers are kept full thanks to the support from everyone in the community. "We're able to help the people because the community is helping us," Stark said.
Whenever possible, the Columbiettes work with the Knights of Columbus for a common cause. "They support us in everything we do," Edward Schnepf, grand knight of the Council said. "They're our right arm."
While the ladies manage to have some fun and kick up their heels at their dances, member Dorothy Caracappa said she got involved for the good they do. "It wasn't just a lot of nonsense," she said. "I don't like meetings that relate to nothing, just a lot of gossiping and stuff." She noted that the influx of younger members is a great development. "They have new ideas," she said. "They're really using their free time in a good way. We're teaching them that, which is important, too."
Patrina Lofaro became familiar with the Columbiettes while helping her mother at fundraisers. "We're trying to get younger members in our group," said Patrina, who joined two years ago. "We're trying to put the word out. No one's really taking the bait but we're trying."
The ladies meet every third Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm in the Knights of Columbus Hall, Hewitt Square, Larkfield Road.
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