Texas State Council
Knights of Columbus

Scheduled Convention and COVID-19

March 20, 2020

Brothers, THE SCHEDULED ANNUAL MEETING, APRIL 24-26, IS CANCELED.

AN ALTERNATIVE ANNUAL MEETING DATE, TIME AND EVEN A WEB-BASED CONVENTION ARE BEING CONSIDERED.

In light of the continuing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the scheduled convention for April 24-26, 2020, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas IS CANCELED. The City of Dallas extended a state of emergency through April 29, 2020, prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 persons. This makes it impossible for us to hold our State Convention on the 24th.

THEREFORE:

• Cancel your Hilton Anatole reservations. The State Office cannot cancel any reservation that you made.
• Cancel any transportation, such as air travel, you have made.

Over the next several days the State Office will begin to process refunds. Any checks that were written for the convention will be refunded via a Texas State Council Check. Any credit card charges for the convention will be refunded and will be shown on your credit card account and should be on your next statement. If you have any questions please call the State Office at 512-442-1492.

The convention committee will be reaching out as well to refund monies paid for program ads, the golf tournament and casino night. The country store will remain open with more details to follow.

NEXT:

We are working with our Supreme Office on ways to hold a convention via alternative means. Perhaps electronically. Ultimately, whatever format will be in the form of an abbreviated convention.

We will notify you when we have a decision as to when, where and how our convention will take place.

WHY THE DELAY?

We apologize for the delay in letting you know, but numerous legal issues with the hotel contract had to be worked out. Until yesterday’s announcement by the City of Dallas to extend the prohibition of gatherings of more than 50 people past our convention date, we were contractually liable for financial penalties should we have canceled. The State officers have been working non-stop to address these issues and I want to extend my thanks and gratitude for their tireless efforts. Late yesterday afternoon, the Hilton Anatole confirmed our release from the contract with zero penalties.

As your State Deputy, along with the State Officers, our primary concern has been and will continue to be for the health and safety of you and your family and we cannot ask nor expect you to travel at this time. Please continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and any state and local ordinances in your area. Stay safe. Pray!

It continues to be a privilege and honor to serve as your State Deputy.

“Let your Light Shine”

May God bless you and May God bless Texas.

Vivat Jesus!

T. Mark Evans
State Deputy
Texas State Council

“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
— Mother Teresa