Parishioners of Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Church, also known as Mercy Parish, in Madison were excited to gather for laughter and fun the first two weekends of May with the return of the capital campaign “Nite at the Races” fundraiser and the second annual Knights of Columbus “Champion of the Grill” competition.

Cheers and groans could be heard well beyond the Parish Hall as parishioners, dressed in their finest Derby attire, urged their horses to the thrill of victory or lamented the agony of their defeat. With dinner cooked by the Knights, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and the crowning of the best dressed winners, this popular parish event was attended by over 150 people with $8,000 being raised for the building fund.

The excitement continued the following weekend as the Mercy Parish Knights of Columbus entered the BBQ pit to challenge the St. John’s Knights of Columbus in a head-to-head competition for Champion of the Grill. As the smoke settled, it was the Mercy Parish Knights who again took the title and remained the undefeated reigning champions. In addition to bragging rights for the year, parishioner support for this event led to over $1,800 being raised for the Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Program, supporting women in crises pregnancies.