HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Stars, stripes, and spreading support.
An annual charity event in Luzerne County kicked off its weekend long Fourth of July celebrations.
The Independence Day festival in Hazleton is sparking fun and raising funds for those in the community.
28/22's Gianna Galli takes us to City View Park.
Vietnam Veterans, September 11 victims honored on wall
Below a waving American flag at City View Park in Hazleton was the Hazleton Area school cheerleaders.
The squad was one of several youth groups to put on a show this holiday at the Fourth of July event.
"When kids come up to you and talk to you about their youth organizations and what they need and how much what we do to help them with the proceeds form this event it's outstanding," expressed Paul DeAngelo, president, Paul and Lisa DeAngelo Family Foundation.
The holiday kicked off the Paul and Lisa DeAngelo Annual Independence Day Charity Event.
It helps to raise money for local youth sports groups, cancer research, and disabled veterans and the autism community.
"Events like this are imperative to our stability," voiced Eileen Perchak, Executive Director of Collaborative Autism Movement.
Eileen Perchak says the money her organization receives will help to pay for sensory friendly haircuts, items and photography.
"When you see them get better at getting a haircut, and they can sit in a chair and they aren't screaming or pulling at their hair, that's how we measure our success on that program," said Perchak.
Bouncy houses, an exotic car show, and food trucks were all featured Friday for families and children to enjoy.
The fundraising began with a one-mile kids run, 5k run, or walk and 10k run.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars will be distributed to the different community programs.
"Without these events and our fundraisers, we wouldn't exist, and the DeAngelo Family Foundation has been tremendously generous to us and to so many people in our community," added Perchak.
This Fourth of July event extends beyond celebrating freedom, it's filled with gratitude too.
"We want to be able to give every kid that opportunity to be involved in something that can change their lives in a better way," stated DeAngelo.
DeAngelo says they are looking to build an outdoor sports complex in the near future.
Families, children and community organizations will receive the monetary donations during a check reveal in September.
