BUTLER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — One of the biggest fundraisers for a local nonprofit is now in the books. Saturday's event combined Olympic-style games with plenty of laughs and camaraderie.
A night of friendly competition, laughter, and teamwork. The Helping Hands Society's Annual Office Olympics Fundraiser brought people together for more than just games.
It's all about raising money to support children who need educational and therapeutic services.
"The Helping Hands Society is a facility that deals with children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, we also have typical pre school so any child can go there," Helping Hands Society Executive Director Mary Beth Koch said.
The nonprofit serves children from birth to school age, ensuring they get the support they need to reach their full potential.
But like many organizations, funding is key.
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"We fundraise all the time because we try to keep the cost down," Koch added.
"This is a great fundraiser for the organization and plus, it's a lot of fun. Everyone gets involved in doing some crazy games and it's, everybody seems to enjoy it," Charlie Burkhardt Helping Hands Society Assistant Treasurer stated.
Teams competed in five different games, from tossing quarters to maneuvering a cookie down your face, all for the children.
"All the funds go back to help support the kids for speech, physical, occupational therapy, and listen, every $20 you raise is like an hour's worth of therapy for the kids. So it's a very worthwhile cause. That's why we're here today," said event attendee Jack Mateo.
But taking home the trophy was another goal, too.
"We are very competitive, we're here to win!" Mateo exclaimed.
And win they did.
The Office Olympics raised about $4,500 Saturday night.
