I hadn’t been in the Knights of Pythias Hall in years until this past Sunday. I really can’t remember when I was there last. Perhaps it was when I was dropping off some Christmas gifts when Karen and Garry Blackman and the KP Kids were collecting toys and clothing for the area’s needy families — that was at least a decade ago.

Anyhow, my wife and I attended a fundraiser for Pam Peters, who recently had quadruple bypass heart surgery and later suffered a stroke, which has affected the left side of her body. She is now in recovery and we all hope she recovers to 100 percent.

Pam’s family and friends organized the fundraiser, which featured a potluck lunch and an auction. Through the generosity of the 75 to 100 people who showed up, over $5,000 was raised to help Pam and her husband, Dennis, with medical bills. Garry Blackman and Tim Sprague ran the auction and, in addition to getting people to bid high, the duo were funnier than some famous comedic acts I’ve seen. Great food, great camaraderie and a great cause.

Martin Page, who spent most of his auction money on desserts on Sunday, told me on Monday that the previous fundraiser held at the K.P. Hall in September raised about $4,800.

Now, I have always known that Knights of Pythias Boothbay Lodge No. 32 does nice things for people, but until you are there to experience what goes on and perhaps donate to a certain cause, you don’t fully appreciate what this group means to the community. It really felt good to see a group of people come together to help their relative, friend and neighbor.

I tip my cap to these shining Knights and thank you all for what you do for the community — specifically for people in need.