KOVAR

Part of Our Charitable Efforts

In 1971 a group of Virginia Knights seeing the unfulfilled needs of the Citizens of Virginia with Mental Retardation decided they had to do something about it and KOVAR was formed.  It began as a small effort and through the generosity of the Knights of Virginia, their families and the citizens of Virginia , it has grown into the largest non-governmental fund raising charity in Virginia specifically dedicated to helping citizens with intellectual disabilities.   This year we will make a grant that will push the total since 1971 to over 10 million dollars. 

We refer to those we support as “God’s special people” as we are trying to retire the terminology under which this noble cause was founded.

Because of the efforts of the Knights of Virginia, their families, supporters and the generous people of Virginia we have over the years been able to ensure that many people who would otherwise be in state care facilities are in small, friendly group homes.  Additionally we have helped to provide safe transportation, job training, recreational opportunities and health care initiatives that were in great need. Many facilities serving citizens with intellectual disabilities have been upgraded, improved, and made safer. The list goes on and on. 

This year, we will hold an Inaugural “Good Works” Golf Tournament, the proceeds of which will all go to KOVAR.  We hope this Golf Tournament will become an Annual Fundraising Event and we intend to keep KOVAR as part of it.  The Council 8240 KOVAR Chairman is Jim Jenkins.  You can contact Jim at jjenkins1q@cox.net to find out more about the Golf Tournament or other Council 8240 KOVAR events.

Throughout Virginia, Virginia Knights have raised more than $12 million since 1971 in assistance for citizens with intellectual disabilities and funded such projects as:

• Home Loans - interest free loan program to assist in the purchase of group homes
• Transportation - 20% funding to assist in purchasing vehicles needed to transport persons with intellectual disabilities
• Group Home Furnishings - Grants of organizations needing to furnish group homes
• Infant Intervention Programs - Grants to establish early detection programs to identify infants with or at risk of intellectual disabilities
• Training Programs - Necessary funding for organizations to train person with intellectual disabilities to enhance their quality of community living
• Startup Programs - Grants to establish new and innovative programs designed to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families
• Special Olympics - KOVAR is a Platinum Sponsor of the Virginia Special Olympics, donating over $50,000 each year