The Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club has donated the funds raised from last year’s Pink Light Walk and Basket Raffle event.

On Thursday, the Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club presented the $7,288 donation to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.

Kim Gerhard, a county captain with the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, said she was surprised by the large donation.

“I think that it is absolutely amazing that they could donate that amount of money to them,” Gerhard said. “I know that the PA Breast Cancer Coalition is very honored, and they will spend it wisely.”

Gerhard praised the Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club.

“The Lions Club is just amazing, and they help so many people,” she said. “If there’s anything that the Lions would need, I would be right there because they’re just an amazing organization, and they’re always willing to help the community.”

Brenda Green, vice president, Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club, said the organization was grateful to everyone who played a role in the initiative.

“Our club and community appreciates the generosity of not only our sponsors, but also the community that participates in our basket raffles,” Green said.

Green then thanked all of the event’s sponsors: St. Luke’s Carbon Campus, Home Comfort Solutions, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Iron Valley Real Estate, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Steven’s Heating, Carbon Search and Settlement Services Inc., Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Mauch Chunk Trust Co., Dean R. Arner, Bennett Family Properties LLC, Neff’s National Bank, Pamela Gothard Real Estate, GME Steerings and Walmart.

Kalon Studio in Palmerton, owned by Amanda Burger, raised $232 in honor of cancer survivor Louise Everett, of Bowmanstown, toward the cause.

“I am most appreciative to Amanda for raising this amount in my honor,” Everett said, adding that after 17 years, her breast cancer came back, and she’s six months out from her second diagnosis.

Burger said she was more than happy to raise the funds.

“I love Louis; I love her family. They are like extended family to me,” Burger said. “They’ve just been so good to me over the last six years, and I just appreciate them so much.

“Anything I can do to help is what my goal is. I plan to do this (make a cancer donation in October) every year, as long as we’re in business.”

About 30 cancer survivors participated in last year’s event.

After gathering at the band hall, close to 200 walkers took the trek to the amphitheater.

All event proceeds benefit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.

The 21st annual Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club Pink Light Walk and Basket Raffle will be held on Oct. 6 at the Lehighton Boys and Girls Band Hall.

Green said the Pink Heels Ambulance and bagpipers will once again be a part of the event.

“I’m hoping to do $8,000 (this coming year),” Green said. “We’re hoping for a good turnout.”