My Brother Knights,

The 2006 - 2007 Year was a fantastic year for giving. At the State Convention in Corpus Christi we had many Councils and members make generous pledges and donations to our Charity Program. Then at the Organizational Meeting, we had many individuals that included our Past State Deputies, State Officers, our Associate State Chaplain, Diocesan Deputies, Assistant Diocesan Deputies, District Deputies, Committeemen, Councils, and individuals that dug deep into their pockets to also make generous contributions so that we would be able to reach our goal. With all these generous contributions, you my Brother Knights DID IT! Congratulations on making 100% of our goal and having a very successful year in Texas State Charities. This year not only included generous monetary donations, but also included a generous donation of time and labor. Many of our Brother Knights, including our Immediate Past State Deputy, rolled up their sleeves to help our Brother Knights that were affected by the flooding in North Texas. This kind of charitable work makes me proud to be a Knight.

We had 292 Quick Start Councils and 56 District Deputies that made 100% of their charity goals. In total we had 400 Councils that made their goals with 2 Councils reaching 300% and 13 Councils making 200% of their goal. In addition to these Councils and Districts, we also had the Dioceses of Tyler, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio reach 100% of their goal. Congratulations to all these Councils, Districts, Dioceses and to everyone who contributed and were part of Texas State Charities.

But, my Brother Knights, that year is over and our new fraternal year 2007- 2008 is here. Our efforts this year is to get all Councils active in our State Charity Program. Our goal this year for Texas State Charities is to raise $807,770.00 and to have 300 Quick Start Councils. It will take everyone's help to make this happen. If we continue on the same pace as we ended this past year, we will have our best year ever. Please continue to support our Bishops, all our Charity programs, and please remember that the First Principle of Our Order is CHARITY.

Terry Simonton - State Charity Director