The local council of the Knights of Columbus has two fundraisers scheduled in the coming weeks to support local charities.

A trip to Paragon Casino in Marksville, La., is scheduled for Thursday, May 17. It’s a relaxing hour-and-a-half ride on a chartered bus and a chance to spend the day having fun at the casino. And they have a fantastic buffet too!

Tickets must be purchased in advance so we ask that you call as soon as possible to get your ticket.

Tickets are $10 each, but you will receive $10 credit on your player’s card when you arrive at the casino, so in reality your trip to the casino is free and local charities benefit!

The chartered bus will depart from the Natchez Mall at 8 a.m. and will return at 5 p.m. Plan to arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. so we can leave promptly at 8 a.m.

Ricky Warren is spearheading the annual Tootsie Roll Drive, a national Knights of Columbus fundraiser, for mentally disabled citizens. All proceeds raised locally will benefit Pleasant Acre Day School.

Over the years, we have raised thousands of dollars to help continue the important work of this special school and to help provide a meaningful life for its students. With your help, we can ensure that these special citizens enjoy the same freedoms and benefits we all do. Show these deserving people that you care.

KC members, Ladies Auxiliary, Columbian Squires and Boy Scouts will be at the Natchez Wal-Mart on Saturday, May 5 beginning at 10 a.m. accepting donations and selling Tootsie Rolls to help with this worthy cause. Your generosity and any amount you can donate will be appreciated.

The Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest lay Catholic organization, marks its 125th anniversary this year.

The group has grown to an international organization of more than 1.7 million members and provides regular support to their local church and community.

The K of C has not only remained true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity, but also included patriotism as a fourth principle by which its members are defined.

In the 1950s, it was the Knights of Columbus that led the effort to have the words “under God” added to the Pledge of Allegiance.

For more information on either of these upcoming fundraisers, call me at 318-336-9127 or 601-431-2223, Ricky Warren at 601-597-4724, 601-442-4107 or Conrad Anderson Jr. at 601-446-8134.

Kenny Rushing is a Vidalia resident and a member of the Knights of Columbus.