Holy Family Knights donate to Minot flood recovery

Courtesy photo/ Mackenzie Kasper

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Former Minot, N.D. resident and current Knights of Columbus Council #14399 member Mark Dylla, right, presents a check to Minot resident Don Kasper, left, at the Holy Family Catholic Parish in South Ogden.

By Jon Kasper

Special to the Intermountain Catholic

SOUTH OGDEN – Knights of Columbus Council #14399 of Holy Family Parish spearheaded a drive that resulted in a $2,000 donation to assist the Minot, N.D., Catholic schools recover from a devastating summer flood.

Grand Knight Joe Hudak said the council approved a $500 donation and issued a challenge to Knights of Columbus councils throughout the world to match the donation.

Former Minot resident and current Council #14399 member Mark Dylla, whose oldest daughter, Cindy, still resides in Minot, matched the $500 council donation. Independent donations of other council members, parish members and another $500 donation from former Minot resident and Little Flower student Mary Davis (Skowronek) brought the total donation to $2,000.

Three members of Council #14399 are former residents of the North Dakota city of roughly 40,000, which endured the worst flood in its history in late June, causing an estimated $1 billion in damage.

The checks were presented to Minot residents and long-time supporters of Minot Catholic Schools Don and Beaty Kasper at the Knights monthly breakfast on Aug. 28. The Kaspers, who were in Utah visiting family, returned to Minot on Aug. 30.

"The flood in Minot impacted family members and friends of our council,’’ Hudak said. "The first principle of the Knights of Columbus is charity, and that extends to those in need outside of our city and state. We realize our donation is a small piece in a massive rebuilding puzzle, but our hope is to bring the plight of our Minot brothers and sisters to the forefront of our national organization. We urge Knights throughout the world to assist with donations to Minot Catholic Schools.’’

Among the buildings heavily damaged was Little Flower Elementary, home of students in preschool through fifth grade. Those students have been moved to Bishop Ryan High School this school year. Little Flower Catholic Church also sustained damage.

Parishioners from all four of Minot’s Catholic churches have seen their lives impacted by the flood. More than 4,000 homes sustained damage, and more than 11,000 residents were evacuated. Some will never return to their homes.

"You have no idea what this means to us,’’ said Bryan Kramer, development director of Minot Catholic Schools. "As we approach the start of school and winter here, our families affected by the flooding are starting to really feel the impact both emotionally and financially.

"A heart-felt thanks to the entire K.C. Council in South Ogden,’’ Kramer added. "Our Catholic family and the Knights are always so good to us, and we continue to keep all in our hearts and prayers.’’