Committee members gather in preparation of the Little Sisters of the Poor’s ninth annual golf tournament. Seated: Robert Blaker, Joan Blaker, Lisa Blaker, and Jackie Galvin. Standing: Mother Maureen, l.s.p.; Kim Simchak, Gene Cosgrove, Janet Skibinski and Sister Marie Therese, l.s.p. (Courtesy: Jackie Gavin)
The Little Sisters of the Poor at Holy Family Residence will honor Mrs. Joan Blaker and the late Mr. Fenton Blaker at their ninth annual golf tournament Saturday, June 13 at the Scranton Municipal Golf Course in Lake Ariel. In addition to this major fundraiser, the Little Sisters also honored the Blakers at a Spirited Art party at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5 at Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton.
Joan and Fenton are the parents of Robert Blaker, the Holy Family Residence’s current maintenance director and co-tournament chairperson. Joan and Fenton were selected to receive this honor because of their love and devotion to the elderly poor at Holy Family Residence during their employment and retirement.
Joan, who served as the front desk receptionist, always provided a friendly smile to visitors as they stopped by to visit their loved ones and friends. Joan has retired from her long time position continues to volunteer her talents to Holy Family Residence. Each year she assembles and decorates Christmas trees throughout our home. Since the golf tournament’s inception, Joan has also created and donated the contents for many raffle baskets.
Fenton Blaker, who served as the Holy Family Residence’s the maintenance director for many years, always took great pride in his work. After his retirement, he continued to volunteer his time and energy at the Holy Family Residence with his wife.
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Golf tournament registration begins at noon with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. The format is captain and crew. Singles will be placed on a team. The cost is $100 per golfer which includes green fees, use of a cart, an official tournament shirt, a gift bag, a pre-tournament refreshment reception, a light meal during the tournament and a post-tournament dinner at the course clubhouse. Golfers will also have a chance to win prizes based on their performance in the tournament including a new car courtesy of Matt Burne Honda of Scranton.
Several types of golf and sponsorship packages, which are great advertising vehicles, are also available including hole signs for $100 and sponsorships of $250, $500, $750 and $1,000. There will also be a grand raffle of the Sisters’ famous gift baskets as well as prizes valued at more than $100.
The Spirited Art party, a very popular program for creative and non-creative types, provides individuals and friends an opportunity to create paintings while sampling beverages and snacks such as wine and cheese. It will also provide non-golfers with an opportunity to support the Little Sisters’ fundraising efforts and honor the Blaker family. The cost is $35 per person and includes an instructor led class, paints, smocks, brushes, easels and canvases. The Little Sisters will also provide a snack and non-alcoholic beverages. Attendees are welcome to bring their own wine and snacks as well. Seating is limited. Reservations are due by Monday, June 1.
All proceeds from both events will be used to replace more than 300 windows in Holy Family Residence.
To make a reservation or provide a contribution for either fundraiser, please contact Mrs. Jackie Galvin, M.S., director of development and communications, at (570) 343-4065 ext. 3144 or scdevelopment@littlesistersofthepoor.org. Golf registration is also available at www.littlesistersofthepoorscranton.org.
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Also serving on the committee are Tournament Co-Chairmen Patrick J. Sheridan and Chris James as well as Debbi Bean, R.N., director of nursing; Charlie Butler; Atty. Jim Conaboy; Atty. Kevin Conaboy; Mike Crossin; Theresa Durkin; Tracy Genell; Bill Hughes; Kathy Hughes; MaryCarol Kanton; Pete Kanton; Deacon Ed Kelly; Ann Kwak; Pat Salmon; Kim Simchak; Tim Speicher; and Dave Tressler.
