MORRIS PLAINS — The Knights of Columbus Bishop McLaughlin Council #3495 reported “remarkable results” following its Annual Charity Poker Night, held Saturday, December 6, at Red Oaks School in Morris Plains.
The popular fundraiser, operated by Mike’s Poker Tables, drew a strong turnout from the community and raised more than $4,700 for local charitable causes. An added highlight of the evening was the Knights’ “Sponsor a Poker Table” initiative, which raised an additional $1,200. Sponsors were recognized with plastic sign inserts displayed on poker tables throughout the event, generating an enthusiastic response from residents and local businesses alike.
The Knights extended special thanks to Saint Virgil’s Church, Pastor Father Lukasz Wnuk, Secretary Janet Winston, and Red Oaks School for allowing the council to host and promote the event. Appreciation was also shared for the many Brother Knights who assisted with setup, cleanup, registration, and food service, including Grand Knight Gary Richenaker, Chuck Havers, Rene Vedder, John Boudreau, Jim Cannestro, Dan Calderisi, Joe Marinaccio, Lou Tufaro, Sean McLernon, Ric Perez, and Deputy Grand Knight Dan Andretti.
Food donations were generously provided by Dunkin’ Donuts (Morris Plains), Capisce Trattoria (Morris Plains), Personal Taste Catering (Parsippany), and Miller’s Ale House (Parsippany).
Additional support through advertising, sponsorships, and poker table donations came from Romeo’s Automotive (Denville), Thatcher McGhee’s (Denville), Mark Perrone’s Barbershop (Morris Plains), Church Street Bagels (Denville), Seven Tribesman Brewery (Wayne), Glenbrook Brewery (Morristown), Double Tap Brewery (Whippany), Fort Nonsense Brewery (Randolph), Rumble Boxing (Morristown), the O’Shea Family, J&J Jewelers (Morris Plains), La Cucina Restaurant (Denville), Indian Lake Bistro (Denville), Anytime Fitness (Morris Plains), Hoover’s Tavern (Morris Plains), Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine (Morris Plains), Tabor Pizza (Morris Plains), Bilori Jewelers (Denville), and an anonymous sponsor.
Council leaders said the success of the evening reflected the generosity and strong spirit of the community. Plans are underway for a special awards ceremony in the coming months, and proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Saint Virgil’s Church (needy families), Project Kind, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of New Jersey, Fairchild Firehouse of Morris Township, and the Parkinson’s Foundation Rock Steady Boxing West Morris Area program.
The Knights expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making the event such a success.
