The Pella Knights of Columbus in Pella have distributed funds from their 23rd Campaign for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, held in late August.

Joe Lickteig with the Pella Knights of Columbus says they raised $54,464 for both local schools’ special education staff and students, Christian Opportunity Center, Wonder Spelen, and the Iowa Special Olympics. Because of this year’s generosity, a portion of the final total is also now being set aside for future scholarships for students with a disability who are moving on to higher education and/or a student pursuing special education as their college major through the local Dollars for Scholars program.

Check amounts:
Pella Community Schools Special Education: $20,661
Pella Christian Schools Special Education: $7,724
Christian Opportunity Center: $12,983
Wonder Spelen: $5,165
Iowa Special Olympics: $5,392
Dollars For Scholars: $2,000 (2, $1,000 scholarships awarded in May)

The KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio was at the Pella Opera House on Tuesday, August 24th, to help host a Pellathon with the Pella Knights of Columbus, a day that featured interviews with the people impacted by the annual campaign and local performers giving their time on stage for entertainment as local Knights called donors and businesses for pledges of support. In total, 270 local givers made donations.