The Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund welcomed ninety-six charity minded golfers to play a unique round of golf at Whitetail Golf Club on November 16. Unique in that prizes were awarded on all eighteen holes! The $4,000.00 raised will support Camp Freedom in its efforts to care for Veterans, First Responders, their families, and Gold Star Families.

On December 4, at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays, Chris and Bill Hankee presented a $4,000.00 check to 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.

Berks hot dogs, Herr’s snacks, and cookies from Costco were served by Bill and Dan Waelchli. Priscilla McGinley, Sandy Sacks, Chris Hankee, and Austin Erdossy (PGA Associate) checked in and registered golfers for the huge raffle and skills opportunities. Bill Hankee, Bill Harper, Preston Henry, and Dan Waelchli set up and retrieved the over thirty-five prize markers needed throughout the course. Thrivent Financial, Mission BBQ, Weis Markets, and many raffle and prize sponsors provided a variety of raffle and skills prizes.
Donations to support skills prizes were provided by Ray & Hope Thorne, Francis & Deborah Molchan, John & Jackie Parry, John & Connie Westlake, Lou & Karen Cougle, Deb & John Romig, Joan & Ed Yatsko, Christman Trucking, Walnutport Door Co., Sharon & Randy Prymock, Dan Staub, Roger Spadt, Bob Harwi, Thomas Garrity, Paul Albert, Rickey Teschner, Rose Grow, and Barb Bearish.

Skills Prize Winners: Fred Deichmeister, Ray Thorne, Joe Barabas, Jane Moyer, Dave Kocher, Dave Smith, Lou Cougle, Dave Henritzy, Keith Kistler, Tammy Kuder, Bill Harper, Tom Sacks, Carlton Davies, Kathy Colarusso, Sean Johnson, Ken Koch, John Ruhf, Karen Sampson, Donna Murphy, Bob Acker, Dave Ruhf, Chris Gebhardt, George Frick, Barb Bearish, Kathy Duelly, and Bob Kern.

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

Olde Homestead Golf Club, Club members, visiting golfers, The Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund, and local businesses partnered in early September to offer 3 days of skill challenges to support families traveling to Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital for medical needs. Recently, many of the partners gathered on the deck of Olde Homestead to present a $6,300.00 check to Hospital representative Kate Booth.

Kevin Edwards, Olde Homestead’s Director of Golf, and Bill Hankee welcomed the golfers and offered them 4 Closest to the Pin skill challenge opportunities. The 4 winners each day had 2 prize options. They could select a $75.00 Olde Homestead gift card or a $100.00 donation to the hospital in their name. Twelve winners directed their prize to the hospital. This shows the very caring nature of our friends and neighbors.

Event Sponsors were 8 OAKS Farm Distillery, Ken & Jean Zellner, Waelchli Family Pediatric Cancer Initiative, and The Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund. The Hole Sponsors were Frances & Deborah Molchan, Walnutport Door Company, Christman’s Septic Service, William Trembler TS Advisors LLC, Livengood Excavators Inc., Ray & Hope Thorne, Jim & Jill Tilney, and Harding Funeral Home Inc. Prize Sponsors were Justin Smith – General Manager of Olde Homestead Golf Club, AF Boyer Hardware & Guns, and The Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund.

The winners are as follows: Closest to the Pin: Day 1- Hole #4 John Malosh, #9 Greg Olesak, #17 Randy Prymock, and #18 Chris Moser. Day 2- Hole #4 Pat Butler, #9 Trevor Herrick, #17 Tom Laputa, and #18 Trevor Herrick. Day 3- Hole #4 Kristine Landis, #9 Scott Wood, #17 Harry Alderfer & Mike McGinnis, and #18 Brad Bender & Kevin Landis.

We wish to thank all who supported this worthy community event, especially Glen, Sally and Justin Smith for offering this beautiful club for many worthy causes throughout our community!

Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the third largest children’s hospital in Pennsylvania, offers the most comprehensive care for children in our community from primary care to pediatric specialties. The hospital provides specialized, advanced, family-centered care. It is supported by over thirty pediatric specialties and provides 24/7 Children’s Emergency Room service and inpatient intensive care.