Billish Park Easter Egg Hunt

In an effort to increase our outreach support to the local community, the Padre Balli Knights of Columbus Council 10677 from St. Andrew by the Sea Parish, accepted a request from Keller Williams Real Estate to cook and serve 1,500 hot dogs in support of the 20th annual Billish Park Easter Egg Hunt on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas.

On Holy Saturday, April 15, 2017, our council joined forces with Keller Williams and many other volunteers and contributors in putting on the 20th annual Easter Egg Hunt for the children of North Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Giving back to the community is very important to our council, so when we were approached to help with this event, there was never a question about our participation. We only needed to know how we could help.

The Easter Egg Hunt organizers were very familiar with our ability to feed the masses because of the popularity of our annual Lenten Fish Fries. So, the primary request was for our council to cook, wrap and hand out 1,500 hot dogs to the families attending the event.

The challenge was to make sure that everyone attending received a delicious hot dog without waiting in long lines. It was determined that 18 volunteers would be required. Fourteen Knights and 4 wives volunteered. Even though it was Holy Saturday, the brothers along with their wives stepped up to support the council’s decision to participate in this event.

The volunteers met at the church’s kitchen the morning of the event. The church is located just a few blocks from Billish Park. Half the volunteers remained at the kitchen and began cooking and wrapping the hot dogs, while the other half went to the park to help set up tents, tables and to hide eggs and do whatever was needed in preparation for the event. Two volunteers transported the wrapped hot dogs in ice chests as they were cooked and wrapped to ensure they were fresh and hot.

When the families started arriving at 10AM, we were ready to go. We handed out 1,500 hot dogs, along with chips, water and iced tea. Over the course of the next three hours, we made many people happy with a warm smile and a delicious hot dog with all the fixings.

The following is a thank you note from Kim Erwin of Keller Williams, the organizer of the event.

Dear Knights,

I want to thank the Knights of Columbus from St. Andrew by the Sea for cooking and serving the hot dogs, along with all of the other help, for the 20^th annual Easter Egg Hunt at Billish Park. All had a wonderful time, and there are many heartwarming stories because of this event. Many grandparents plan their vacations to coincide with the hunt. Because it is highly structured and safe, it is very family and kid friendly, and is particularly appreciated by parents with children with disabilities. One of the mothers called me on the phone and was crying and telling me how much the Easter Egg Hunt meant to her and her family. Thanks again to the volunteers from Council 10677 for all the help and support.

God Bless you all,

Kim Erwin