The local Knights of Columbus chapter is the latest in a long line of South Brunswick businesses and organizations to do their part in helping 10-year-old Brandon Dominguez in his fight against cancer.
Knights of Columbus St. Cecilia’s Council No. 7046, of Monmouth Junction, presented the Dominguez family with a check for $1,000 on Dec. 18. Brandon, a Greenbrook Elementary School student, has been battling brain cancer since December 2010.
The organization presented the family with the check after its annual Breakfast With Santa event, during which children meet and receive toys from Santa Claus. Santa spent some time talking with Brandon about his interests before surprising him and his family with the donation, which the Knights of Columbus hopes will help with mounting medical bills.
“This is the type of charitable work that each council in the Knights of Columbus strives to do in the community where they are located,” Grand Knight Manny Vitone said.
The Dominguez family has received financial and emotional support from multiple school-sponsored fundraising events. In addition, the South Brunswick Police Department raised more than $2,000 last summer at a dodgeball event held by the Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 166.
Lori Woods, a Greenbrook staff member who works closely with Brandon, expressed amazement at the generosity of her co-workers and neighbors.
“I could make a list that you would not believe,” Woods said, referring to the number of establishments that have pitched in to support Brandon. “What this community has done for this boy is so extraordinary.”
The Knights of Columbus raised more than $650 of the donation amount at its annual Christmas party hosted in early December. The council boosted the total to $1,000 with its own contribution to the cause. Contact Deanna McLafferty at [email protected].