Lehighton Area Pool Pals have proven they know their mission.

Back on July 17, 2006, a group of dedicated and committed citizens from Lehighton and surrounding communities got together for a single purpose."That purpose was to raise enough money to refurbish Baer Memorial swimming pool," said Mark Hoffman, organizer. " The pool had been closed due to disrepair for two years."The group decided to call themselves "LAPP," which stands for Lehighton Area Pool Pals.Good intentionsThe group started with good intentions but no money in their account. Their first fundraising efforts consisted of selling strawberry sundaes at a Weissport festival, bratwurst and root beer at Lehighton bike night, hot dogs in front of Wal-Mart and an October road rally and scavenger hunt. Their account balance started to grow."More important than our balance was the fact that the community started to rally behind us," said Hoffman.Elementary schools held car washes and yard sales, oil dealers donated fuel oil, other organizations were donating money and businesses were coming forth and pledging money to support their cause.Pool Pals had the momentum behind them to push them toward their goal of raising enough money to match a proposed grant from DCNR that would be used to repair the pool.In December of 2006, The Pool Pals continued their unique efforts of fundraising by hosting an alumni basketball game which consisted of five different games involving not only alumni from Lehighton but also alumni from Palmerton and Jim Thorpe.The night climaxed with the 1977 Lehighton district championship team playing the Lehighton 1987 championship team, both coached by their former coaches.LAPP becomeshousehold nameOver $5,000 was raised with this event but more important, the Lehighton Area Pool Pals was now a household name."One of the most inspirational quotes used to describe the Pool Pals was shared by a reporter of the local paper when he called us "the little engine that could," said Hoffman. "The year 2006 ended with over $60,000 of money and pledges in our account."Lehighton awarded matching grantIn the first quarter of 2007, Lehighton borough was officially approved for a matching grant of $350,000 from the state department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pool Pals were recognized as a reason this grant was approved.This grant gave more energy and motivation to the group and they continued with other unique fundraising ideas.At the end of 2007, the Pool Pals had over $100,000 of money and pledges in their account and were also recognized by the Lehighton Chamber of Commerce as the Volunteer Group of the Year.In 2008, Speaker of the House Keith McCall informed the group he would be able to provide a grant of $500,000 that could be used to add to the $100,000 plus that Pool Pals had already raised and they would now be successful in their goal of having enough money to match the DCNR grant. In March of 2008, bids to repair the pool were awarded with the total project expected to cost close to one million dollars.LAPP writes $115,465.60 checkAlthough the pool would not be open in 2008, the work was getting started in April."Lehighton would have a pool for the 2009 swimming season!" said Hoffman.In June of 2008, Lehighton Area Pool Pals wrote a check to Lehighton Borough for $115,464.60 taking their account balance to $0.In 2009, over the Memorial Day weekend, the pool officially opened.Mission changesRecognizing the Pool Pals accomplished their goal of raising enough money to refurbish the pool and provided the citizens of Lehighton and surrounding areas with a place to swim, they could have said their work was done but instead, they voted to stay together as a group, changed their mission statement from "Save the Pool" to "Creating Lifetime Memories" and moved on with their unique fundraising ideas to continue raising money to support the pool and supplement the cost of swimming lessonsThe Pool Pals joined forces with the Lehighton Rotary hosting annual yard sales and craft sales in April and November."Something the Pool Pals started last year and hoping to build on this year is the Pool Pals have extended invitations to all local groups to join them in Christmas caroling," said Hoffman. "This year's caroling was held at the Summit located beside the Gnaden Huetten Hospital."Adds eventsThe Pool Pals have also added as annual events the July "Family Fun Night" at the pool that includes games for children including the climatic gold fish scramble. The annual February Cabin Fever Dance hosted by the Pool Pals has also been recognized as one of the areas "must do" events if you are someone looking to help support a worthwhile cause and at the same time, looking to spend a night filled with nonstop fun and excitement.This year's event will once again be held at the Lehighton Orioles on February 22, and has gained the corporate sponsorship of Lehighton Hardware and Thrivent Financial.This dance continues to grow in popularity with the majority of those in attendance leaving the dance promising to be back next year. This year's event is expected to sell out so it is best to buy your tickets early by calling any Pool Pal member or Diane at 610-377-5275.Looking aheadLooking ahead to 2014, patrons of the pool can expect to see a play land located in the vicinity of the baby pool. This play land as well as the 20 foot shade umbrella located in the same general area was paid for by the Pool Pals and Horsehead industry matching grants.Based on data supplied by Tom Evans, pool manager and recreation director for the borough of Lehighton, over the past five years the community pool has been a huge success. This fact can be supported by the number of season tickets purchased that continue to grow from one year to the next and the many positive comments shared from those using the pools facilities.