Notre Dame's Knights of Columbus Plan 'Stand with Boston' Fundraiser before USC Game

Proceeds from legendary steak sale to benefit victims of marathon terrorist attack

SOUTH BEND, Ind., Oct. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Knights of Columbus Notre Dame Council 1477 will come to the aid of survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing through the university council's legendary pregame football steak sales on Saturday, Oct. 19.

A portion of the proceeds from sales at Notre Dame's home game vs. the University of Southern California will go to the Knights of Columbus Stand With Boston Program to provide assistance for people who lost limbs in last April's attack. The program is designed to provide additional prosthetic treatment beyond that covered by insurance or other programs, and to offer such items as prosthetics designed for running and other physical activity.

"Following the example of the Good Samaritan, the Knights of Columbus has always sought to help those in need," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson as the program was announced earlier this month. "What happened in Boston was a terrible reminder of the reality of evil in the world, but by responding with care for those who were hurt, we can show that the power of love is stronger than hatred or evil."

The sale of seasoned steaks at Notre Dame began with the construction of the Knights' current building in the heart of the campus in 1968. The menu has always been the same: steak sandwiches on a sesame seed bun, cooked over large coal grills and served with a beverage. The cost is $7 and buckets will be set up for additional donations to the Knights of Columbus Stand With Boston Program.

"The effort in Boston is designed to help people recover their love for sports, competition and exercise, which is akin to the original idea for the steak sales at Notre Dame," said Council 1477 Grand Knight Jeffrey Gerlomes. "The steak sales combine the joy of sports and outdoor activity with raising funds for worthy causes, which is exactly what we will be doing on Oct. 20."

He added: "I am sure the game-day response will be generous as the people of Notre Dame and South Bend stand in solidarity with those who have suffered so much in Boston."

Founded in 1910, Council 1477 sells some 3,000 steaks each home football weekend, raising about $10,000 per game for various charities. Since its inception, the program has donated more than $1 million to charity. Overall, the Knights of Columbus worldwide donated $167.5 million and 70 million hours to charitable causes last year.

The K of C was founded in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney, a parish priest in New Haven, Conn. With charity as its central commitment, the organization has grown to 1.8 million members worldwide, with over 750 members in the Notre Dame council.

SOURCE Knights of Columbus