‘Shoot for Hope’ Fundraiser Aims to Break the Cycle of Generational Poverty
ROCKWOOD, Pa. (August 13, 2024) – The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division’s Shoot for Hope fundraiser, in honor of Michael Stark, is back, offering a fun-filled day of sporting clays competition! This seventh annual fundraiser benefits Pathway of Hope, a program that aims to empower families and end generational poverty. Participants will spend the day shooting clay targets at this outdoor event, presented by BNY and the Stark family, on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Highlands Sporting Clays, with accommodations provided by Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
"Now in its seventh year, this event has continued to grow and raise critical funds for our program, allowing us to make a real difference in the lives of families across Western Pennsylvania,” Lauren Fair, Divisional Social Services Director for The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division said. “Michael Stark was a beloved member of The Salvation Army’s Greater Pittsburgh Advisory Board. He was an avid clay shooter and a big supporter of Pathway of Hope. It is an honor to carry on this tradition in his memory thanks to support from his family and BNY Mellon.”
Visit salvationarmywpa.org/shootforhope to purchase tickets to join as a guest, single player, or form a team of four. Space is limited, so secure your spot before registration closes on Thursday, September 12. Sponsorship packages are also available. Registration will open at 8 a.m., followed by safety training at 9:45 a.m., a shotgun start at 10 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch and awards. All skill levels are welcome to participate in this 100-target event. Ammunition will be provided; instruction is also available. A shotgun will be available at each station; however, shooters can bring their own equipment.
Children raised in poverty are more likely to struggle financially as adults. The Salvation Army's Pathway of Hope program is changing that. Pathway of Hope uses an intensive, client-centered case management approach to empower families and address root causes preventing them from becoming more self-sufficient. Families enrolled in Pathway of Hope utilize The Salvation Army’s extensive resources and community connections, developing personalized action plans oriented through a strengths-based lens to overcome barriers and objectively track progress over time.
Pathway of Hope serves six counties in Western Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango. In fiscal year 2023 The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program served 57 families, 13 families successfully completed the program and 144 children were positively impacted. All families served had barriers to gaining employment, housing stability, transportation, childcare and more. Participation in Pathway of Hope resulted in 67 percent of barriers being reduced. In addition, 49 percent of these families increased their household income.
Shoot for Hope is presented by BNY and the Stark family. Thank you to our sharpshooter sponsors UPMC and Four Buds Racing. A special thanks also to cart and station sponsor Johnson Bros. Rubber Company and cart sponsors Peoples Natural Gas and BRIDGES.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 134 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.