The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 in New Haven, CT at St. Mary's church by Father Michael J. Mcgivney to benefit the widows and orphans of the area. This organization has grown to include several million men and to encompass several countries. The first principle of the KofC is charity. Over the years the order has developed an insurance arm to continue the work of Father Mcgivney in supporting those who need help once loved ones have passed on. Charity is a fundamental aspect of the Knights of Columbus, so much so that the members have donated 68,783,653 hour of volunteer service, just last year alone. Over $1.39 billion over the course of a decade have been donated (Columbia, Oct. 2009 issue, p.#15). The men of the KofC do more than just gather one or two nights of the month to swap stories and such. As the numbers show, we are active not just in the church but also in the community, from Habitat for Humanity to Special Olympics, to local projects in our communities. We do not do these charitable deeds to toot our own horn we do it because it's what should be done. Most of the things that are done by the councils go unnoticed by the many, but God knows. Matthew 6:3-4 says, "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." (NKJV) Above all, what we do is to serve God by helping our neighbors.