Celebrating 10 years this year, the Friends of Beltzville has grown to 93 members, with a steady incline in membership.

The Friends group is a nonprofit organization that helps promote care of the park. In the past decade the group has volunteered 8,000 hours and raised nearly $21,000 for the conservation and preservation of the park and its resources. Funds raised help with trail maintenance, roadside cleanup, a pollinator garden and events led by the group.

“Dine and donate” events have been a major source of income. Local restaurants help with funding by providing a percentage of their sales on a specific day to the Friends group.

Thorpe’s 903 recently held a dine and donate day, and owner Rob Scolnick was generous enough to match 10% of the sales, resulting in a $600 donation. Scolnick noted, “ I’ve been a local for 49 years. My wife and I hiked all around and are involved in lots of activities in the community. We’ve learned that the customer is never wrong and we want to give back to the community.”

“This incredible donation will make a significant and direct impact on our mission and future projects at Beltzville,” said board member Patty Ponicsan.

The Friends group shared “To Thorpe’s 903: Thank you for your partnership, professionalism, and remarkable generosity. You truly make a difference in our community.”

PJ Whelihans and Union Publick House have partnered with the Friends group for previous dine and donate events.

If you would like to join the friends group go to the “Friends Of Beltzville” Facebook page. If your restaurant is interested in participating in a dine and donate, visit the Facebook page or contact the park office at 610-376-0045.