Peach and Pear Sales
In memory of John Mann
The peach and pear sales recur each summer culminating in delivery in August (typically the day before St Joan of Arc Summerfest). This is our largest single fundraising event. We work with a western slope orchard to purchase high quality produce and use it to fundraise as described below.
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Objectives |
The primary objective for the sales of peaches and pears is to support seminarians. In addition, excess funds above those that are required to support our sponsored seminarians are used to support charitable operations which do not have a given fundraiser associated with them. In addition, because this operation requires the efforts of many members, it provides the membership opportunity to strengthen our fraternal bonds through service to our community. |
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Funding |
Funding for this is the net proceeds from the sales of peaches and pears. In addition, we receive $100 reimbursement from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council for each seminarian supported - up to $500. |
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Funds dispersal |
We provide $500 to each seminarian that we sponsor. Generally half of the funds for a given year are dispersed to seminarians and the other half are considered excess funds to be used for other charitable donations for which there are no specific fundraisers. |
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Recurring beneficiaries |
Each year we typically support 5 to 7 seminarians. We rotate in new seminarians as previously supported ones are ordained or leave their programs. |
John Mann was instrumental in establishing and continuing the tradition of Peach and Pear sales for our Council.
2021 - Back and Going Strong!
Yes, 2020 was a tough year for both the pandemic and the freeze that devastated the Palisades' peach and pear crops. However, that didn't deter us in 2021 and we came back strong!
Thanks to the generosity of our customers and their enthusiastic reception of the peaches and pears from C&R Farms, the Knights raised over $6000 for various Vocations, Church Ministries and other Community Programs.
2020 Freeze
A devastating freeze in the spring that impacted 90% of the crop along with the Covid-19 pandemic caused the 2020 Peach and Pear Sales to be canceled. This is a significant source of revenue for supporting seminarians. It also allows us to cover other ongoing charitable operations. Because of the cancellation, we were forced to budget the 2019 sales to also support our 2020/2021 seminarians. Fortunately, we were able to make up some funds because of the parish community’s generosity in supporting our Pancake Breakfasts & Burrito Sales in 2019 and 2020.