The Knights of Columbus Council at Prince of Peace Church recently held its second annual awards banquet and donated $6,500 to charity, proceeds from a successful casino night held at the end of 2005.

Grand Knight Don Conklin presented a check for $4,000 to Prince of Peace Church, which was accepted by the pastor, Father Fred Wendel.

A check for $2,500 was also presented to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, accepted by Kriya Benich. The funds will be used within Gwinnett County by the foundation, she said.

The casino night proceeds are the fruit of over eight months of planning and an estimated 375 volunteer hours by members of the Knights of Columbus Council 13457.

Reflecting on the growth of the parish from 126 families in 1983 to 3,100 families in 2006, Father Wendel said, “It’s good to know the Knights of Columbus will always be there.”

The parish recently moved from Buford to Flowery Branch and built new facilities there because of the growth. The Grand Knight said the fundraising effort in 2005 also strengthened fellowship in the fraternal Catholic organization.

“Activities like this only improve fellowship and friendship among the Knights of the council. This fellowship allows us to make a bigger impact on the parish and community,” Conklin said.