Humanitarian Fund

Humanitarian Fund, The main fund-raising committee of the Order, Knights of Pythias. Through their efforts, involving having raffles, selling various items, collecting donations, having dinners and many other events the Humanitarian Fund has given to the Grand Lodge Altruisms hundreds of thousands of dollars. Much of the donations are given by Pythian Brothers and Sisters.

Diabetes Research Association

Awareness of Diabetes is a major concern of Pythians. Many people suffer from this dreadful disease and many others are unaware that they may have diabetes. Through the efforts of Pythians, information about Diabetes is given not only to our Brothers and Sisters and their families, but to the general public. Working with various Diabetes Advocate Groups  our efforts have helped many people to recognize this terrible illness. We have yearly events to raise much needed funds to fight Diabetes and since the inception of our Diabetes Research Association in 1997 we have donated over $500.000.00 to these Research Groups.

Pythian Camp

Pythian Camp was incorporated in 1942 and has sent thousands of boys and girls to camp. The camp experience given to under privileged children by members of the Knights of Pythias will be remembered by them forever. Our Pythian Camp, sold in 1992, now sends children to camps located in New York and New Jersey during the summer.

Dr. Morris Smoller, Social Service Fund

This fund had its beginning in 1983 and has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities with short and long term rehab and hospices located in New York and Florida.
Our funding has made entry to the above mentioned care centers more accessible for Pythians, their senior family members, including senior mother and father in-laws.

Drug and Substance Abuse Programs

Substance abuse has been a crisis for many families. The Knights of Pythias has supported Day Top Village, Renaissance Project and Samaritan Village for many years. Our donations have helped these most worthy organizations to continue their good work. Over the years when assistance was needed by Pythians or Pythian related substance abusers. The cry for help to Day Top Village, Renaissance Project or Samaritan Village was always answered with “you’re welcomed here”.

Knights on Wheels

This event takes place annually. Physically and /or mentally challenged people are given a day of fun by the Knights of Pythias. A day filled with games and a barbeque is arranged for as many as 300 participants. Our aim is to bring some happiness to as many people as we can and by the smiles on the faces of those participating, it’s a success.

New Eyes for the Needy and Hearing Aids

This committee has collected tens of thousands of used eye glasses and hearing aids. These eyeglasses and hearing are refurbished and given to people in need. This fine program has helped many people to see and hear again.

Coat for Kids/ Those in Need

The cold winters find many children and adults in need of a coat to keep them warm. The Knights of Pythias continue to help keep them warm. The Knights of Pythias “Coats’ program has collected many thousands of coats over the past ten years. These donated coats are collected and delivered to needy people and organizations by Pythians.

Youth Commission and Pythian Scholarship

The object of this committee to offer youths, Pythian and non-Pythian an opportunity to enter contests; achievement awards, essay contest, join our Junior Order, poster contest and photo contest. Awards are given to many of the contestants. The Youth Commission has a Committee that awards Pythian Scholarships to Sons and Daughters of Pythians graduating high school and going onto college. Currently the Scholarship is $2,500 for a four year college.

Servicemen & Veterans Affairs

Visits to veteran’s hospitals by this committee to give gifts and cheer-up members of our armed forces, past and present is important. The Committee has raised over $35,000  to send Packages to our Troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Donations are made by Pythians to various veteran events and charities.

Special Olympics

Our support for Special Olympics is supported by Pythian Brother and Sisters with donations and by helping to run events for these challenged athletes.

The Knight's of Pythias's Dr. Smoler Fund supports the following health related services. If you or members of your family is in need of any of their services, please contact Jordan Levy at 718 444-3547

The Sephardic Home, Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric, Odd Fellows & Rebekah Home, Jewish Home & Hospital for the Aged: (a) East 106th St. (b) Fordham, Hebrew Hospital & Home Inc., L.I. Jewish Geriatric (Parker), United Hebrew Geriatric Center, Workmans Circle, Calvary Fund, Bealystocker Home, Jewish Home of Rochester, Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home, Metropolitan Hospice of Greater N.Y., The Jewish Hospice of L. I. N.Y., Riverdale Home for the Aged.