Past Events
Here's what we have been up to lately
For more information on any of our events, please contact us.
On Friday, February 2, 2024, St. Francis Camp on the Lake held their annual fundraiser at Monaghan's Knights of Columbus hall in Livonia, Michigan. Chairpersons were Eddie Smith, Russ Smith, and Mike Malinowski. Contributing photographers were Mary Jo Hodge and Norm Pranger. The Honorary Co-Chairmen were Knights of Columbus Michigan State Deputy Christopher Kolomjec and Fr. Enzo Addari from the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, Michigan. Catering provided by "Jim's Custom Catering". There were 62 "TIN CAN" raffles, a special Heads or Tails fun game, as well as various gun raffles from Bass Pro Shops, and also included "share the wealth" raffles. 28 Members and friends of Manresa Caravan attended the fun filled evening as well as many Knights of Columbus, Shriners, and other Alhambrans
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Saturday, January 27, 2024, Alhambra Manresa Caravan #217 treated over 100 clients and their caregivers to a SNOWBALL DANCE at St. John Neumann Church in Canton, Michigan. Contributing photographers were MaryJo Hodge and Jeanette Kruetzman.
Submitted by LN Michele Kramarz .
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Sunday, December 10, 50 of our Manresa members and their families attended Mass at St. John Neumann Parish in Canton, then enjoyed appetizers, beverages and a catered dinner in Baldwin Hall. Many thanks to PGC John Vella, LN Barb Vella, LN Michele Kramarz, LN Beverly Ulfig, LN Sheila Dake and Sultana Shirley Chrostowski for Committee work, planning, purchasing and setting up for our event. Thanks also to LN Colleen Morrison and Sultana Shirley Chrostowski for their delicious appetizers and to GC John Michniak for the scrumptious Christmas cookies. The room was beautifully decorated by GC John Michniak and SN Ron Budzisz. LN Barb Vella and LN Beverly Ulfig added to the festive atmosphere with stunning table decorations. We enjoyed visiting with each other and even played a holiday game provided by SN Ed Chrostowski. As they say, a really good time was had by all!
Submitted by LN Michele Kramarz .
Contributing photographer John Michniak.
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
What a wonderful way to start the Christmas Season! Our Annual "Target Christmas Shopping Spree" took place Thursday, December 7th, 2023 at Target in Livonia. Manresa volunteers helped 42 high school students from "Keeler School" shop for family, friends and of course themselves. Over the years there have been some amazing stories of "Why I Bought That", I remember.....One student who bought a "shovel" to shovel snow to help Mom pay the rent, another bought a pre-lit 4 ft Christmas tree so the family could actually have a Christmas tree. The stories go on and on! Personally, seeing and hearing what Christmas actually means to these students helps keep me grounded. We all walk away having a better understanding of what is truly important at this Blessed time of year! These "students" have no idea how amazing they are as "Life Teachers"! God Bless, LAUS DEO and the Peace and Love of our Lord, Jesus be with all of you, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Special THANK YOU goes to PGC JACK TEMPLIN for chairing this wonderful event. Contributing photographers John Michniak and Rebecca Phillips
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
“No Tricks, LOTS OF TREATS”
Friday October 27, 2023
Manresa Caravan members were absolutely blessed to be able to step in and help “rekindle” an event that hasn’t taken place at Cooke School for the past 3 years. Traveling through the hallways of Cooke School with their “Costume Parade” and then ending up in the gym enjoying 5 separate “Trick or Treat” stations and a super fun “Photo Op” for a final stop made the morning a true day to remember. What a morning of pure joy for ALL! God bless these beautiful children of God and their teachers who care for them daily!
GOD bless the Alhambra and GOD Bless all that serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, an election was held for the 2023-2024 Manresa 217 Divan conducted by Region VI representative Richard Sosin. Please click on the "DIVAN" section in the menu. Also, PGC Ed Peters was awarded the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.
Ed is celebrating 50 years as an Alhambran. CONGRATULATIONS ED.
Making the presentation were PSD Cliff Dake, PGC Ed Peters, Supreme Chaplain Fr. Paul Ballien, and outgoing GC Tom Kramarz. Picture courtesy of Mary Jo Hodge.
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Sunday, September 24, 2023, Manresa Caravan 217 and 21 volunteers treated approximately 100 Special Needs clients on a two hour Diamond Jack boat cruise on the Detroit River. Our guests were treated to pizza, cookies, snack mix, various sodas, and a variety of music broadcast over the boat public address system. Special thanks to Julia Sydlowski, and Bob Rogenski, co-chairs for this year's event. Contributing photographers were Norm Pranger, Janet Kurkie, and Gloria Rzucidlo. A great time was had by all.
God Bless the Alhambra, and God Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
God Bless the Alhambra, and God Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Thursday, September 14, 2023, over twenty Manresa Caravan members and friends treated the Community Opportunity Center to their annual picnic at Rotary Park in Livonia. Manresa provided the funds for the burgers and bratwurst in addition to supplying the barbeque grill/propane, cooking, and wrapping of the burgers and bratwurst. Please see the attached pictures commemorating the event. Thanks to Dave Maertens and John Vella, the co-chairs for the event. Contributing photographers are Julia Sydlinski and John Michniak.
God Bless the Alhambra, and God Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Saturday, August 26, 2023, Alhambra Manresa Caravan #217 held their annual golf fundraiser at Hilltop Golf Course in Plymouth, Michigan for the purpose of raising funds for GOD's Special People. 96 Golfers participated plus many volunteers. Thanks to Co-Chairs of the event Eddie Smith and Jack Templin, and contributing photographer John Michniak.
God Bless the Alhambra, and God Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
Happy Birthday America! What an amazing day, what an amazing Parade! Members of Manresa #217 and Galicia #77 Caravans joined a jam-packed 4th of July Parade in Northville this morning. So much fun, so much positive energy! Fr. Paul was called “Adorable” by one parade watcher as he sped through the streets of downtown in his little “Manresa Motorcar”. Manresa’s very own “Magic Man SN Bill Brang mystified parade watchers with his “Magic and sleight of hand trickery”! Candy and American Flags handed out by our members as well as family members just seemed to top it off! It’s hard to explain how wonderful this morning was, it’s more of how wonderful it made us all feel! God Bless America, God Bless the Alhambra, and God Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
2023/06/10-11
St. John Neumann Canister Drive. On the weekend of June 10-11, Manresa Caravan conducted a canister drive. Thanks to all the volunteers and the parishioneers that donated to our fundraiser for the benefit of God's Special people.
Cooke End of Year BBQ 2023-05-26
What a beautiful day "The Lord has made" and shared with us! The Cooke School "End of the year Family BBQ" basked in beautiful sunshine and an abundance of love! The hamburgers and hotdogs weren't bad either! Just over 300 students, their family members and Cooke Staff enjoyed a petting farm, face painting, dancing to the sounds of DJ "Zac Attack" and delicious bbq foods and goodies! We just love our " Cooke Family"! What a day! What a day! God bless all that serve those in need!
Initiation
On May 17th, 2023, Manresa Caravan welcomed in 7 New Members. Welcome to SN Michael Kreutzman, LN Jeanette Kreutzman, LN Shelia Dake, LN Laura Scanlan, LN Beverly Ulfig, LN Barb Vella and LN Maria Zeolla. God bless all of you and welcome to the International Order of Alhambra. LAUS DEO
Region VI – Manresa 217 – Spring Fling
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, Manresa Caravan 217 held it's first “Spring Fling” dance this May. LN Michele Kramarz, led the team in organizing this event. Pizza, pop, ice cream and potato chips were served. Popcorn and desserts were made by members for over 200 guests and their chaperones. Volunteers from Manresa, St. John Neumann parish and Knights greeted, served and danced with our guests. DJ “Zak Attack” queued up the music to keep everyone dancing. The DJ, refreshments, the photo corner, and the corsages were all a big hit.
On Tuesday April 11, 2023, the 51st Inter-Fraternal Brotherhood Dinner took place in Chesterfield, MI. Members of charitable organizations gathered and celebrated their common love for their communities and providing help when and wherever the need arises.
With the theme “Brotherhood – Hand in Hand, Together We Can”, the event was hosted this year by the Alhambra and included guest speakers from the Michigan Knights of Columbus, Elks, Odd Fellows, Knights of St John, Shriners, and Eagles.
2023-02-25 Knights of Columbus State Chaplain Tribute dinner
On February 25, 2023, Manresa Caravan #217 in concert with The Region VI Order of Alhambra, St. Francis Camp on the Lake in Jerome, Mi. the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, Mi. and in solidarity with the State of Michigan Knights of Columbus Council attended a tribute to the State Chaplain Rev. Aidan Logan at Zuccaro's Banquest center in Chesterfield Township.
What a wonderful evening! A night to celebrate the Knights of Columbus State Chaplain, Rev. Aidan Logan. It was great to see the Alhambra so well represented at this event! Every “White Fez” I saw were also “Knights”! God bless the Knights of Columbus and the Alhambra! God bless all that serve those in need!
2023-02-09 Shrine Circus
On behalf of our Circus Chairpersons, John Vella, Gary DeCarlo, Cliff Dake and John Michniak, I would like to say thank you to all that made the February 9, “2023 Alhambra Day at the Shrine Circus” a success!
Our crew consisted of Alhambra, Knights of Columbus, Shriners, Stellantis, GM and many friends of Alhambra. We greeted, unloaded, seated, prepared food, served and put many smiles on the faces of God’s Special People!
We had 2982 reservations and 2012 guests entered the doors at Suburban for a 67% show rate.
Shriners, it has been another great event! Thanks for being at our sides and helping us in numerous ways. Without the Shriners, this event would not be possible.
Special thanks to EPOCH Hospitality and Matthew Herschler and Paul Hess. EPOCH was instrumental in making food donations happen, supplying the chefs to cook our guests food, …
Suburban Collection Showplace and Riley Stechschultz, and BoCo’s, Emily Moir, it has been great working with you.
Thanks to US Foods and Mark Minnick who donated hot dogs and buns.
Thanks to Northern Haserot and Steve Schmoeger who donated water and cookies.
I cannot say it better than one of our guests that talked to me after the event:
“Joseph, Grandma, Grandpa and I had a really incredible time today! Thanks for all your Caravans do to put on such a wonderful event for the community”
John Vella
2023-01-27 Sportsman Dinner
On Friday, January 27, 2023, the Alhambra and Knights of Columbus held a fundraiser for St. Francis Camp on the Lake in Jerome, Michigan at the KofC Monaghan Facility in Livonia, Michigan for approximately 200 participants.
2022-12-21 Roosevelt McGrath Santa visit
On Wednesday, December 21, 2022, The Christmas season wrapped up at Roosevelt-McGrath Elementary School in the Wayne-Westland School District. Chairperson Sheri Staub, Manresa elves and Santa visited 7 special education classrooms K-5 on December 21. Santa entered each classroom interacting with students with Autism, and physical and mental disabilities.
2022-12-16 Cooke School virtual Santa visit
On Sunday, December 16, 2022, Manresa held a virtual Santa visit at Cooke School
2022-12-11, Manresa Christmas Party
On Sunday, December 11 the annual Manresa Caravan Christmas party was held at St. John Neumann in Canton
2022-12-08 Stuckey School Target shopping spree
On Thursday, December 8, Manresa provided approximately 50 students from Stuckey School to a shopping spree at Target.
2022-12-07 Red & White Christmas Party
Red & White joint Celebration on Wednesday, December 07, 2022, RegionVI Alhambra had a joint Christmas Party with the Shriners
2022-12-05 Council of Caravans Christmas Party
On Monday, December 5, the annual Council of Caravans Christmas party was held at Nikola's Restaurant in Southfield
2022-10-13 Community Opportunity Center (COC) Picnic
On Thursday, October 13, 2022, Alhambra Manresa Caravan #217 provided the bratwurst, burgers and buns as well as the barbecuing for the annual Community Opportunity Center(COC) picnic for approximately 150 guests at Rotary Park in Livonia, Michigan. It was a bit windy with temperatures in the mid 50's but no rain that was in the forecast. Approximately 17 Alhambrans/friends helped make this event a huge success. Special thanks to Manresa chairman for the event John Michniak and the contributing photographers Janet Kurkie and John Michniak.
2022-09-25 Diamond Jack Cruise
On Sunday, September 25, 2022, Manresa treated ~100 special need clients to a 2 hour cruise on the Diamond Jack Belle on the Detroit River.
2022-08-27 Manresa Golf Fundraiser
On Saturday, August 27, 2022, Manresa Caravan 1st annual golf fundraiser was held at The Links of Novi.
2022-06-22 Fr. Paul Ballien Tribute & Roast
On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, a tribute and Roast was held for Fr. Paul Ballien at the Polish Century Club
22-06-20 the St. Louis Center Golf Fundraiser
On Monday, June 20, 2022, the St. Louis Center had their annual golf fundraiser at the University of Michigan Golf Course
22-06-16 Manresa Ceremonial
On Wednesday, June 16, 2022, Manresa Caravan 217 conducted a Ceremonial bringing in 3 new members.
22-06-13 the ARC Golf Fundraiser
On Monday, June 13, 2022, the ARC had their annual golf fundraiser at Lakelands Golf & Country Club
22-06-05. St. John Neumann Canister Drive
22-05-27 Cooke School End of Year Picnic
22-05-27 What a wonderful day! So many smiling faces, so many hugs and so, so much love in the air! The Annual Cooke School "End of the Year Family Picnic" was a huge success. Although the crowd was down just a little because of some early morning threatening weather, the sun broke through, the D.J.'s music filled the air and the dancing was underway!
Wild Game Dinner
On Friday, 22-01-28, an event co-sponsored by The Alhambra and the Knights of Columbus held an event at the Monaghan Knights of Columbus banquet hall in Livonia to benefit the St. Francis Camp on the Lake in Jerome, Michigan.
Stuckey School Christmas Shopping Spree
On Decenber 15, 2021, The International Order of Alhambra, Manresa Caravan treated the children from Stuckey School to purchase Christmas gifts for their family. Jack Templin is the event chairman
Our Holiday Party on December 10, 2021 was a huge success!! 🎁Presents were delivered, (both wrapped boxes to Amazon cards or deliveries), 👕Tshirts delivered, 🍕Pizza, Pop, & ...
2021 Diamond Jack River Cruise
On Sunday, September 19, 2021, Alhambra Manresa Caravan #217 treated 84 clients including 4 with wheelchairs to a 2.5 hour Detroit River Cruise aboard the Diamond Jack
2020-09-19 St. Louis Center Detroit Tiger Picnic
On Saturday, September 19, 2020, Alhambra Manresa Caravan #217 treated the guests at the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, Michigan...
2020 Alhambra Day at the Shrine Circus
On February 20, 2020, the International Order of Alhambra bought out the Suburban Collection Showplace and treated ~4000 Special clients to the Shrine Circus.
2019-12-05 Stuckey School Shopping Spree
On Thursday, December 5, 2019, Alhambra Manresa Caravan #217 treated the students at Stuckey Scchool..to an annual shopping spree at a Livonia Target.
2019-02-14 Alhambra Day at the Shrine Circus
On February 14, 2019, the International Order of Alhambra bought out the Suburban Collection Showplace and treated ~4000 Special clients to the Shrine Circus.
2019-09-29 Clinton River Cruise
On Sunday, September 29, 2019, Alhambra Manresa Caravan #217 treated 100+ clients including 4 with wheelchairs to a 2.5 hour Clinton River Cruise.