Dance studio donates funds from golf event to veterans
Two of Carbon County veterans organizations have received funds raised from a golf event.
Dance with Kim on Tuesday presented $1,000 separately to the Lehighton United Veterans Organization and Palmerton United Veterans Organization.
Kim Semmel, owner of Dance with Kim, said the profits were raised during the Dance with Kim For A Cause Third Annual Richard Semmel Memorial Golf Classic on Sept. 16 at Olde Homestead Golf Club in New Tripoli.
Semmel said that Dance with Kim For A Cause seeks to give donations to families in need and community organizations.
“Veterans have always been near and dear to our hearts, and we appreciate all their sacrifices,” Semmel said. “We like to keep the girls involved in the community.”
Lehighton United Veterans Organization Commander Kevin “Spike” Long said the group was extremely thankful to Dance with Kim for the donation.
Long said the organization plans to use the funds on upgrades for its equipment and uniforms.
“We’re just humbled by this,” Long said. “It’s such a great thing.”
Glenn “Smokey” Troutman, vice commander, added that Dance with Kim has been a linchpin in the borough for quite some time.
“They’re a community fixture,” Troutman said. “She (Kim) gets the younger kids involved with veterans; it’s a history lesson in the making.”
Joe Uhnak, vice commander of the Palmerton United Veterans Organization, said the organization was very thankful to Dance with Kim for the contribution.
“I was very pleased and surprised with this generous and unexpected donation from Kim and Mike,” Uhnak said. “I think they worked very hard to raise this amount of money.”
Uhnak said the donation will be used for the Veterans’ Memorial upkeep, as well as to buy flags at the entrance to Palmerton.
Semmel said Dance with Kim For A Cause was the idea of her daughter, Brittany Semmel-Pry, who serves as co-owner/artistic director.
Semmel said Dance with Kim For A Cause was formed three years ago.
For more information, visit the Dance with Kim For A Cause Facebook page or Dance with Kim Facebook page.