By Tom Kalchik, K of C Member
The Frank Comaianni Charity Golf Tournament was held on March 23, 2024, at the Willowcreek Golf Course, 10600 N Boswell Blvd, Sun City, AZ. It is sponsored by the St. Elizabeth Seton Knights of Columbus Council 12144. Proceeds from the tournament are used to send children to the St. Joseph Youth Camp. This year, 128 golfers participated. Over 40 businesses and individuals added further support as hole sponsors. The tournament raised $6,500 to support youth from St Elizabeth Seton Parish and other areas to attend the St. Joseph Camp.
Who is Frank Comaianni? He was a member of the St. Elizabeth Seton Knights of Columbus Council 12144 who was adamant in his support of the youth of the parish, diocese, and State. He was so devoted to that cause that he started an annual golf tournament to raise funds to help kids attend the St. Joseph Youth Camp at Mormon Lake, Arizona. Even though Frank was called to Heaven many years ago, his legacy has lived on in Council 12144 through the annual golf tournament that now bears his name.
What is the St. Joseph Youth Camp? It is the longest running camp in the State of Arizona, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. In 2024, it is a home away from home for over 300 youths. It specializes in sleepaway camp programs for youths ranging in age from 7 to 17. They learn about nature, build personal life skills, and create friendships, memories, and community.
Every year, for one weekend in September, the Camp also conducts its “Operation Restore Veterans’ Hope.” About 100 homeless veterans spend Friday through Sunday at the Camp. Transportation, lodging, and food is provided, thanks to the support of the Arizona Knights of Columbus. Veterans are recognized for their service to our country with a special parade and other programs.
The St. Elizabeth Seton Knights of Columbus Council 12144 is proud to sponsor the Frank Comaianni Charity Golf Tournament to provide support for our young parishioners and homeless veterans.
(Pictured above) Golf carts are lined up at the Willowcreek Golf Course in anticipation of the “shotgun start” of the Frank Comaianni Charity Golf Tournament. Golfers are pre-assigned to specific holes on the course that they must go to before beginning to play golf. All golfers start at the same time from different holes, hence the term shotgun start. Proceeds from the event go to the St. Joseph Youth Camp to give the youth from our parish, the Diocese, and the State an opportunity to spend a summer week at the Camp.
