Golfers pitch in for veterans, first responders and Gold Star families – Lehigh Valley Press

Whitetail Golf Course was the site of the second annual "Camp Freedom Long Shot, Short Shot Shootout" on Sept. 5.

The Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund organized this specialized golf outing that offered a skills prize on every hole.

The $6,000 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 Barbecue and Herr's snacks were served all day.

On Sept. 17, at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays, Chris and Bill Hankee presented a $6,000 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.

The camp, which provides a healing atmosphere for individuals and families throughout the United States, has roots in the Lehigh Valley with Executive Director Matt Guedes from Palmerton, and Bill and Laura of Ironton.

Priscilla McGinley, Sandy Sacks, Jill Tilney, Chris Hankee and PGA Professional Brad Paukovits checked in and registered golfers for the huge raffle and skills opportunities.

Bill Waelchli, Sacks, and Debbie Romig prepared and served the food.

The Jim Tilney Team was first team off and aided in setting up the skills challenges on all 18 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 and Jill Tilney, Barb Bearish, Rex Equipment and Construction LLC, Roger Spadt, Ken and Jean Zellner, Walnutport Door Company, Slatington Lodge No. 440, Ray and Hope Thorne, John and Jackie Parry, Kate Booth, and Chris and Bob LeiBerman.

Skills Prize Winners

Weis Wallop: Rose Grow, Casey Stockmal, Don Capecci and Rich Williamson.

CTP: Rich Williamson, 28 inch; Phil Von Funk, 8 inches; John Bolton, 3 feet 1 inch; Paul Steinmetz, 2 feet 3 inches; Courtney Moody, 2 feet; Timmy Jones, 3 inches; Ray Flaugh, 6 inches; John Kulak, Eagle; Nick Durham, 4 feet 10 inches; Jeff Herb, 1/4 inch, Roger Spadt, 1 foot; Hunter Bachenberg, 1 foot 7 inches; Owen Reddin, 3 feet 10 inches; John Kulak, 16 inches; Jane Moye, 3 feet; Lynette Reinert, 3 feet, Jake Horn, Eagle; and Nick Safi, 1 foot.

Pot of Gold: Bob Massaro and 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 campfreedompa.org.

Camp Freedom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.