By John Ryan
Contributing Writer

The Bishop Stanislaus Brzana Chapter was formed in 1999 as a means of uniting the 49 Knights of Columbus councils in the Diocese of Ogdensburg in a larger purpose  - charity.

Edward Pultorak, a Master of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree from Deferiet, led the organizing committee and Bishop Paul Loverde enthusiastically participated in planning meetings.

The new organization's by-laws stated that one-third of all chapter fund-raising proceeds be given to a Catholic School, one-third to a pro-life organization and one-third to be decided each year by the membership.
Councils pay annual dues and are entitled to three votes at chapter meetings.

The councils immediately decided to conduct an annual charity ball, the proceeds of which would fund three worthy charities. Thirteen Chapter Balls have been held since 1999, all hosted by Tupper Lake Council 2177 and chaired by Former New York Knights of Columbus State Warden William Ose of Adams.

They begin with an afternoon Mass followed by a social hour, a dinner and a charity auction. An evening of dancing follows the auction. Knights from all parts of the Diocese look forward to the second Saturday in June when they join together for an evening centered on prayer, fraternity and charity.

The auction includes items ranging from artwork to handcrafted furniture usually donated by the knights themselves.  Knights get caught up in the fun-spirited auction and often leave with their arms filled with items they couldn¹t help but bid on. The first year, 1999, the Charity Ball raised $2,000. As more knights have become involved, that amount has increased each year. $6,000 was raised in 2011. William Ose estimates that in excess of $60,000 has been donated to worthy causes in all parts of the diocese.

The 2011 donations were made to Immaculate Heart Central in Watertown, The Brook Haven House in Carthage and Champlain Valley Right to Life in Plattsburgh. In 2012, donations will be made to St. Agnes and St. Bernard’s Schools in Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, Right to Life of Watertown and Family Champions in Tupper Lake.

David Clark presented a check for $2,000 to Champlain Valley Right to Life President Rev. Martin Mischenko. Clark presented the donation on behalf of the Bishop Brzana Chapter Knights of Columbus Which makes contributions each year to a pro-life organization,  a Catholic school and a third organization decided each year by the members.