This most worthy program was started in 2011 by Kim Washburn. Along with his late golden retriever, Jack, Kim debuted the program donning aprons at the annual summer meeting of 2011. The two made several appearances at Tootsie Roll Drives throughout the state for several years. Jack LOVED to wear his apron. Though he has since passed, he will remain the Tootsie Roll Mascot as Kim cannot bring himself to remove him.

Our Campaign for Helping People with Disabilities is one of the most popular and successful fundraisers conducted by Washington state and local councils for the benefit of helping people with disabilities. This highly visibility program has led to the campaign being referred to as the Tootsie Roll Program.

Washington State has raised over $1.2 million since inception with over 85 organizations benefiting.

How Does It Work?

It involves Knights of Columbus councils and their families collecting donations outside stores, parishes, and other public venues. In appreciation for a donation, the donor is offered a good size Tootsie Roll with the unique Knights of Columbus emblem and reference to the program. A two-paragraph statement about the Knights of Columbus is on the inside.

Columbus Charities retains 20% of all donations for Special Olympics Washington (SOWA). Councils are encouraged to direct the remaining 80% to local 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that deal with the disabled in some way.

Chairman’s Message to All Washington Knights of Columbus Councils

The Columbus Charities Tootsie Roll Program is dedicated to providing assistance to life-based health care, and quality of life opportunities for children, teens, and adults with disabilities.

The Columbus Charities Tootsie Roll Program grant making by member councils is open to non-profit charitable organizations primarily to public and private agencies that are qualified not-for-profit organizations benefiting the disabled.

We accomplish this mission by raising funds to support a variety of statewide programs like Special Olympics, summer camps, The ARC, L’Arch, Therapeutic Riding, KCHelp, along with 50+ other organizations that deal with the disabled.

The basic concept is to offer a tootsie roll to a potential donor whether they give a donation or not. This is not a solicitation program, but donation only.

This popular program has been in existence since 2011, with the first drive commencing in 2012. Twenty percent of the funds sent to Columbus Charities is designated to Special Olympics Washington, where we enjoy a Gold Level donor status, less corporate expenses. The remaining eighty percent can be distributed to a 501 c 3 organization that assists the disabled in some way at the council’s request.

We encourage the eighty percent of funds be granted to the local area where the funds were collected. If councils choose, the eighty percent maybe left with Columbus Charities where it will be further granted to Special Olympics Washington, KCHelp, Anna Schindler Cancer facility, and more.

To date, $1,340,000 has been raised since inception in 2012. Ninety-five cents of every dollar goes to the disabled. If your council has not participated in this most worthy program, you should give it a try.

Fraternally,
Kim Washburn-Tootsie Roll Chairman