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Ryan Madson Story

A story by Mark Ambruster
(Charter Grand Knight of HGA Council 14847)
and now Past Grand Knight of this council
 
     
 
From Mark Ambruster :
When I was a Knight in North Carolina, I knew Ryan Madson’s father, who was also a Knight.  The elder Madson is still a member of the Knights of Columbus in NC.  Michele, my wife, has an uncle, Mr. Ron Gurgul, who was my sponsor to the Knights of Columbus. He was, and STILL IS, the Grand Knight of St. Joseph the Worker, Knights of Columbus Council #15091 in Burgaw, NC. This council was basically out of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Burgaw.  But the story is a bit complicated because the councils there in North Carolina tend to work together more than they do up here.  I was in one council at my church of St. Mark's in Wilmington, NC and in the 4th degree that was out of Wilmington.  My uncle had that council in Burgaw, but his 4th degree members were in the Wilmington one too.  His council was older and not as numerous as ours but we always helped each other.  When we started our council, he always believed in keeping our council up to date on our undertakings.
 
     One day when my wife’s uncle and I were speaking he said look out for a surprise and then call me when it arrives. A few days later we received a box with a letter and some special items. The items were a 5 x 7 autographed picture of Ryan Madson and a red hooded sweatshirt that was also autographed by Ryan. In addition, inside was a note from Ryan. He has always been a huge supporter of the Knights of Columbus. Having a father who was in the Knights of Columbus, Ryan has grown up knowing all about what we do and what the Knights are all about. Ryan also spent some time in Reading pitching for the Reading Phillies most notably in 2002 when he was named Pitcher of the Year in the Eastern League, finishing with a 16-4 record. Playing in Reading for the Phillies, Ryan was familiar with Reading and knew a little bit about the surrounding area.
 
    Michele’s uncle had orchestrated the entire event with Ryan’s father.  Once he heard about us and our start up council he called Ryan and informed him of a new Knights of Columbus council in Reading.  Ryan asked for our address and said he will get together what he can to try and help us out.
 
   One start-up of a new council and still we have our brotherhood at work, one brother helping another through his son.  This story of a willingness to help is a great example of all we stand for with unity, charity and fraternity.
 
   At our "Columbus Day" Breakfast Bonanza held on Sunday October 10, 2010 we held a raffle for these Ryan Madson donated items.  The winner of the Ryan Madson autographed picture was Mr. Lucius S. Wood III and the winner of the autographed hoodie was Mr. Lee Garrigan.  Congratulations to these two winners and thank you to everyone that participated in the raffle.