A group of friends who golfed together decided to use their hobby to help the community.

Nearly a decade later, the Mauch Chunk Charity Foundation has raised over $50,000 for charities and causes in Jim Thorpe and surrounding areas.

“You don’t have to be rich to make a difference,” said Mark Donnelly, one of the foundation’s board members.

The charity foundation has been holding golf tournaments since 2014. This year’s event takes place June 11, and registration is open through June 4.

Before they started the tournament, the members were familiar with how they worked, and realized they could create one that would benefit causes in their own backyard. In the years since, they’ve added a Christmas show, working with local Jim Thorpe performers like Joe Hiatt of 40 Story Radio Tower and the band Free Range Folk.

This year’s tournament benefits the Tyler Strong scholarship. The scholarship honors the memory of Tyler Kowatch, a Jim Thorpe student and track athlete who passed away in 2018, during his senior year, while awaiting a heart transplant.

“Tyler was a special young man,” Donnelly said.

Tyler’s family has awarded the scholarship for four years. The golf tournament will help continue it into the future.

“We were very excited that they offered to do this for us,” said Marci Bynon, Tyler’s mother.

Over the years, the charity foundation has raised funds for the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, friends battling cancer, and victims of tragic fires.

“Any local charity that needs help, we’re there,” Donnelly said.

Last year, they supported Camp Freedom, which provides outdoors experiences for veterans.

Their success wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community. Each tournament has over 20 volunteers. The patrons at Union Publick House, where Donnelly is a bartender, always buy raffle tickets and make donations, even if they don’t plan to attend the event.

“People are always willing to support. The community is the biggest part,” Donnelly said.

Registration for the June 11 Mauch Chunk Charity Foundation’s annual golf tournament is open through June 4. The tournament costs $80 per person and includes food and drink. To sign up, visit https://www.facebook.com/mauchchunkcharityfoundation.