This month we proudly feature Melodee Hughes in our Light on a Knight segment. While not “officially” a Knight, Melodee has been married to Florida State Deputy Richard Hughes for 44 years and now serves as the First Lady within her state jurisdiction.
During the recent Florida State Convention, Melodee invited Terry Waters to be the guest speaker at the Ladies Luncheon. Terry shared a presentation focused on Cross Catholic Outreach’s mission and how its partnership with the Knights has blossomed over the past three years. Through this partnership, hundreds of Knights and their families have been engaged in faith in action programs such as Box of Joy and food packing events.
Melodee invited all the ladies in attendance at the luncheon to participate in a raffle drawing, donating all proceeds to Cross Catholic Outreach’s mission of serving the poor. As a result, more than $3,000 was raised — a donation designated to support Box of Joy. In fact, Melodee later encouraged the auxiliaries throughout Florida to support vulnerable children by packing Box of Joy gifts this fall!
Every Knight knows that the support of wives in becoming officers or attending events is irreplaceable. Melodee is a wonderful example of how that support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many who depend on the charitable works of the Knights of Columbus. We are grateful for her generosity and the ways she has encouraged councils to partner with Cross Catholic Outreach.
