The Knights of Columbus Councils in Evansville were selected to receive the K of C State Community Service award at the 2026 Knights of Columbus Indiana State Convention.
The Knights of Columbus Councils in Evansville were selected to receive the State Community Service award at the 2026 Knights of Columbus Indiana State Convention in Fort Wayne for their efforts with the Friday Knights Hunger Bowl and raising nearly $170,000. Knights of Columbus Council St. Benedict Cathedral Council 7544 submitted the application. This project is not one for one council, one school, one parish or just the Catholic Community but rather the entire Evansville community. It may have started as a project with a couple of people involved but has evolved to an annual event that people across all areas look ahead each year to support. Through the many years and many prayers, they are able to help feed the hungry more each year. John Sandwell and Mark Hackert are the co-chairs but know they are just instruments of Jesus to do what we are called to do: Feed the Hungry. This award belongs to the Evansville Catholic Schools, Knights of Columbus Councils & Assembly, Columbietes, the Fans and many throughout the Community. Gibson County held their first Friday Knights Hunger Bowl this past Fall at the football game between Princeton and Gibson Southern High Schools. As the Indiana State winner, their submission is forwarded to the K of C Supreme Council to compete against others from around the world. Winner announced at the 2026 Supreme Convention in Denver Colorado in August. The 2026 Friday Knights Hunger Bowl in Evansville will be on Friday Sept. 11.
Questions contact Mark Hackert 812-319-6403 mhackert76@gmail.com
Group photo: left to right
Gil Spisak, Indiana State Deputy, Steve Jung/Council 565, Jim Dohogne/Council 8746, John Sandwell/Auxillio 15464/Friday Knights Hunger Bowl founder, Mark Tuley/Princeton 1131, Mark Hackert/St. Benedict Cathedral 7544/Co-Chair Friday Knights Hunger Bowl, Bill Oakley/St. Johns the Baptist 8746, Paul Malone, St. Clements St. Clements 10257, Dan Deters St. Clements 10257 and David Negret/State Program Director, Crown Point 1014
