Knights Raise $4,800 for Families of Plane Crash Victims

On June 30, Knights of Columbus St. Cecilia’s Council #7046 hosted a pancake breakfast in the Parish Hall of St. Cecilia’s Church in Monmouth Junction in an effort to garner donations to help offset the medical costs incurred by the Monticchio family and the sudden costs sustained by the MacCallum family after the death of their husband and father Craig as a result of plane crash on May 31. 

The Council collected over $4,800 in donations from the friends, neighbors, local residents, and complete strangers who took part in the event.

A number of members of Boy Scout Troop 10 were on hand to help out with the serving at the event. They were there in recognition of fellow Scout Tim Monticchio, an Eagle Scout, who in 2011 was named the New Jersey American Legion Scout of the Year for 2011. Tim was on the flight that crashed on the railroad tracks in Linden, shortly after takeoff.

The pilot of the airplane, Craig MacCallum was an instructor with over 30 years’ flying experience. He was credited with maneuvering the plane away from a number of dangerous industrial sites around the area.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this event. Over 350 people took part by having a tasty meal and donating as they were able to help two families who were impacted by a sudden and tragic accident,” said Grand Knight Manny Vitone. 

“The point of the golf outing is to offer those who enjoy the game of golf a chance to contribute to a worthy cause within the community while relaxing with friends, perhaps do some networking, and get to know one another,” said Brian Fisher, coordinator of the event.

Knights of Columbus St. Cecilia’s Council #7046 is located in the Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, New Jersey. Established in 1978, the Council works to support St. Cecilia’s Parish and the surrounding community through a variety of events held throughout the year, including dinner-dances at St. Cecilia’s Parish Hall and the annual Citizens with Needs Drive. 

Proceeds from the events are donated on an as-needed basis to local charities. Over 100 Catholic men from the parish and surrounding communities are members. Additional information on the council and its many activities may be found at http://www.kofccouncil7046.org/.