Fundraiser to help vets, first responders through outdoor learning scheduled in Ross
Editor’s Note: The location of this fund-raising event has been changed from its original location. The story has been updated to provide the new location.
Two Army veterans are establishing a Pennsylvania branch of a nonprofit that aims to help military veterans, first responders, and children battling illness or disabilities by providing therapy through outdoor learning and hunting.
Randy and Jackie Kluj of Beaver are hosting a launch party on Nov. 10 for the Pennsylvania branch of the Creek and Timber Legacy, at the Dented Keg Brewing Company, 700 Adams Shoppes, Mars.
Randy Kluj began the first Pennsylvania branch of the organization in September after being invited to attend a goose-hunting trip sponsored by the Creek and Timber Legacy’s Texas branch. The all-expenses trip included flying Randy to Arkansas for a few days of outdoor hunting with other military veterans.
It’s the camaraderie and sharing stories with other veterans that is so helpful.
At the hunt, he said, you can “let loose and tell some stories. Get to know each other. A lot of the time you can’t talk about these experiences with other civilians,” he said.
Randy served 10 years in the Army, including two tours in Iraq and once in Afghanistan. Jackie was a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot with the Army National Guard in Johnstown. She served in the National Guard for 10 years deploying to Kosovo in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The launch party features free admission, two complimentary drinks, appetizers and a raffle for a locally made Oxgoad Arms Rifle.
The organization’s goal is to host and finance hunting or outdoor trips for veterans, first responders and disadvantaged children and their families.
Kluj, 41, said being outdoors is therapeutic, and it’s calming to be in nature. He said the couple’s mission is supported by their faith.
The short-term goal is to raise at least $10,000, through donations and raffle tickets for the rifle.
RSVP to the event by emailing randy@ctlegacy.org or jackie@ctlegacy.org.
Donations and to nominate an individual for a trip can be sent to randy@ctlegacy.org.
Creek and Timber Legacy also is enrolled with Give Big Pittsburgh, which goes active on Nov. 29, Randy said.
More information can be found at creekandtimberlegacy.org.
Natalie Beneviat is a Trib Total Media contributing writer.
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.