Special to The Message
In April, the Knights of Columbus Councils in Evansville received the State Community Service Award at the 2026 Knights of Columbus Indiana State Convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The “Faith in Action” award was given for their efforts with the Friday Knights Hunger Bowl, which has raised nearly $170,000 since its inception nine years ago.
This project is not for one council, one school, one parish or just the Catholic community, Knight Mark Hackert of St. Benedict Cathedral Council 7544 explained; rather, it’s for the entire Evansville community. It may have started as a project with a couple of people involved, but Hackert said it has evolved into an annual event that people across all areas look forward to supporting each year. Through the many years and many prayers, he continued, they are able to help feed the hungry more and more each year.
Knight John Sandwell, of Auxilio Knights of Columbus Council 16454, and Hackert are co-chairs of the annual event, but they said they are just instruments of Jesus to do what they are called to do: Feed the Hungry. The Hunger Bowl raises vital funds for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Evansville, an emergency food distribution center. Funds are raised through the efforts of area Catholic schools, the 10 local Knights of Columbus councils, as well as donations at a football game and from the community.
Nine years ago, the Hunger Bowl was born when Sandwell was inspired after reading about a similar event in Florida. What began as a small fundraiser, bringing in roughly $3,500 the first year, has now grown into a major community effort, thanks to ongoing collaboration between local K of C councils, Catholic schools and community supporters.
Gibson County held its first Friday Knights Hunger Bowl last fall at the football game between Princeton and Gibson Southern high schools.
Hackert said the 2026 State Community Service Award belongs to the Evansville Catholic Schools, Knights of Columbus Councils and Assembly, Columbiettes, the fans and many throughout the community.
As the Indiana State winner, for which the Knights of Columbus St. Benedict Cathedral Council 7544 submitted the application, their submission is forwarded to the K of C Supreme Council to compete against others from around the world. This winner will be announced at the 2026 Supreme Convention in Denver, Colorado, in August.
The 10th Annual Friday Knights Hunger Bowl in Evansville is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11.