Brownsville Knights Donate Sonagram Machine

SK James Torline, Culture of Life Chairman for the Diocese of Brownsville Knights of Columbus, Ms Janie Salinas, Director of the McAllen Pregnancy Center, Msgr (SK) Louis Brum, former Associate Chaplain for the Texas State Council, and SK Jose Salmeron, Treasurer for Palm City Council 8298.

In the spring of 2018, the Knights of Columbus of the Diocese of Brownsville received approval for participation in the Ultrasound Initiative Program as supported by our Supreme Council. Palm City Council 8298 of McAllen, became the hosting council for the Initiative. Grand Knight for Council 8298 is SK Ruben DeLeon.

The Initiative provides matching funds for the cost of a sonogram from Supreme for every dollar, up to one half the actual cost of the machine. The monetary goal for the Knights of the Diocese of Brownsville was approximately $17,500.00.

The Initiative was formally introduced to the Knights of the diocese at their organizational meeting held in early August, 2018. SK James Torline, Culture of Life chairman for the Diocese of Brownsville Knights of Columbus, served as liaison between the Knights and other donors and the the Palm City Council.

The goal for the Initiative was reached and surpassed by mid-March 2019. On April 6, 2019, and "informal" check was presented to the McAllen Pregnancy Center at their annual fund-raising banquet. Representing Council 8298 was SK Jose Salmeron, Treasurer for the council.

In mid-June, 2019, a formal presentation of checks covering the total cost of the new machine was made by SK Ruben DeLeon, Grand Knight, and Thomas Oaks, Programs chairman, for Council 8298. On July 10, the new machine was delivered and installed.