Golfers Pitch in for Veterans, First Responders, Gold Star Families

September 5, Whitetail Golf Course was the sight of the second annual “Camp Freedom Long Shot, Short Shot Shootout”. The Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund organized this specialized golf outing that offered a skills prize on every hole. The $6,000.00 raised will support Camp Freedom in its efforts to care for Veterans, First Responders, their families, and Gold Star Families. Berks Hot Dogs, Spicy Sausage, Thomson’s Meats Turkey BBQ and Herr’s snacks were served all day.
September 17, at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays, Chris and Bill Hankee presented a $6,000.00 check to Camp Freedom Executive Secretary Lori Strohl and Bill Bachenberg who along with his wife, Laura, founded Camp Freedom. Camp Freedom is located on 2,350 beautiful acres highlighted with 2.5 miles of a class-A trout river, wilderness, and lakeside settings near Carbondale PA. The Camp provides a healing atmosphere for individuals and families throughout the United States. The Camp has roots in the Lehigh Valley with Executive Director, Matt Guedes, from Palmerton and Bill and Laura residing in Ironton.
Priscilla McGinley, Sandy Sacks, Jill Tilney, Chris Hankee, and Brad Paukovits (PGA Professional) checked in and registered golfers for the huge raffle and skills opportunities. Bill Waelchli, Sandy Sacks, and Debbie Romig prepared and served the food. Jim Tilney team was first team off and aided in setting up the skills challenges on all eighteen holes. Preston Henry team was last off and retrieved all the hardware needed to record the names of all the skills challenges. Thrivent Financial, Weis Markets, and many raffle and prize sponsors provided a variety of raffle and skills prizes.
Donations to support skills prizes were provided by Jim & Jill Tilney, Barb Bearish, Rex Equipment & Construction LLC, Roger Spadt, Ken & Jean Zellner, Walnutport Door Company, Slatington Lodge No. 440, Ray & Hope Thorne, John & Jackie Parry, Kate Booth, and Chris & Bob LeiBerman.
SKILLS PRIZE WINNERS:
Weis Wallop – Rose Grow, Casey Stockmal, Don Capecci, Rich Williamson
CTP – Rich Williamson 28”, Phil Von Funk 8”, John Bolton 3’1”, Paul Steinmetz 2’3”. Courtney Moody 2’, Timmy Jones 3”, Ray Flaugh 6”, John Kulak-EAGLE, Nick Durham 4’10”, Jeff Herb ¼”, Roger Spadt 1’, Hunter Bachenberg 1’7”, Owen Reddin 3’10”, John Kulak 16”, Jane Moyer 3’, Lynette Reinert 3’, Jake Horn-EAGLE, Nick Safi1’.
Pot of Gold – Bob Massaro, Joann Malonson
The key element of the Camp Freedom healing process is providing outdoor experiences and adventures for those who have given so much to protect our freedoms. The healing begins when the guests experience the healing powers of nature, share experiences, have an opportunity to support and comfort each other, and find renewed purpose. To donate or learn more go to www.campfreedompa.org. Camp Freedom is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID #81-4662848