Knights of Columbus thank Water and Ice owner for support

The local council of the Knights of Columbus recently honored Tonya Thompson, owner of Maricopa’s Water and Ice store, for her longtime support.

About five years ago, Thompson donated water and ice to the Knights to use for fundraising efforts at the Maricopa Salsa Festival. “It just became an annual thing,” she said.

Thompson began expanding the donations for other events where the Knights were present, such as Founders Day and the Fourth of July celebration. The past two years, she’s also given the group cards redeemable for free Hawaiian shaved ice to hand out with soda purchases.

Thompson said she wanted to help the Knights “just because I like what they represent. I know they work a lot with youth, and I just thought it would be a great opportunity for us to give back.”

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal service organization known for its charitable giving and volunteer service for the community. Chuck Morene, the Grand Knight of the St. Barnabas Council No. 13859 based out of Our Lady of Grace Parish, said the money the council raises goes to the youth group at the church and also supports local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

The Knights presented Thompson with a plaque commemorating her support. Eddie Rodriguez thanked Thompson, saying the Knights were very grateful for the help she had given them.

Photo by David Argabright