First Annual Women’s Clinic Fundraiser A Success

By John Romano

The first Annual event held at St. Leonards Hall on Prince on Saturday, March 22nd at St. Leonards Church was an amazing success. Thanks to Father Michael for allowing me to hold this wonderful day of giving to others during lent. Father Michael is the Chaplin of The Ausonia Council Knights of Columbus #1513 in the North End and he speaks to us each month at our meeting and he inspired me to do something good during lent.  With his guiding hand and the help of several of my brother knights, my wife Patricia and many friends and neighbors in the North End and Wilmington we pulled off a fantastic day for the Shelter.

While many people helped and contributed I cannot name them all but I do want to recognize Deputy Grand Knight Richie Fiumara, Jim Matarano from St. Joseph’s Feast Society, Paul Tivnan from Wilmington Sons & Daughters of Italy (The Truck Guy)  and Patricia Romano Friends of the North End South, The North End Athletic Association & Ted Tomasone, Ausonia Council Knight of Columbus #1513 in the North End  – John Fiumara, Stephen Scappichio, Richie Fiumara Jr and Grand Knight John Pagliuca, MaryAnn Ponti from the Women’s Clinic and Steve DeAngelis of the Golden Goose Markets. They went above and beyond to help make the day successful.  Thank you also to the Post Gazette and Regional Review for running stories to help promote the event, they were a big help!

Thanks to the generosity of all those who contributed, we collected 8 boxes and 6 shopping bags full of important necessary items for the women at the shelter.  We also collected just over $1,100 in combined Dunkin Donuts/McDonald’s Gift Cards,  $1,907 in cash/check/venmo donations and the second collection at the 5pm Mass was $1,707.

I had a chance to stop by the clinic and meet a few of the people that Mary works with last Tuesday, they are amazing people and were extremely grateful for all we did.  We should all be proud of what a wonderful, generous, giving community of friends and family we have, I know I am.  I hope everyone has a glorious Easter season.