Hazleton Employee Honors Transplant Patients

A Sundance Vacations employee from our Hazleton, Pennsylvania office helped organize an outing at Sand Springs Golf Course to benefit Gift of Life Family House in Philadelphia, Pa. last month.

Sundance Vacations Hazleton Marketing Manager Lisa Penkala and her husband Paul have been involved in the preparation for the Gift of Life’s Paul W. Penkala Annual Golf Tournament for five years. This year’s outing was held on September 17 and, according to Penkala, was just as important as all the others.

After his son’s passing, Lisa’s husband Paul had opted to donate five of his son’s, Paulie, organs to save other lives. The event began as a way to help transplant patients and their families and has grown year after year.

In fact, all proceeds from the benefit will go towards the Family House, which provides temporary, affordable lodging for those who travel to Philadelphia for transplant-related care.

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Sundance Vacations employee Lisa Penkala and her husband made gift baskets to raffle off at the golf outing.

This year, Penkala and her husband made raffle baskets and received donations to help raise funds for Gift of Life Family House, which serves as a home away from home for transplant patients and their families.

In addition to their help, Sundance Vacations sponsored a hole during the game, helping Gift of Life raise $4,000 at the golf tournament reaching their total $25,000 fundraising goal over the past five years.

In honor of Paul’s son, the Gift of Life added a plaque above the house’s laundry room in his name. Penkala tells us that the location was fitting because Paulie was always particular about ironing his clothing.

“We look forward to supporting this event each year,” Lisa Penkala said.  “We are glad to help families in need.”

“Thank you for all of your participation and donations.” Paul Penkala told us, “Many people’s lives are touched by the generosity at Sundance!”

View all charities Sundance Vacations Hazelton worked with here: Hazelton News.

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About Gift of Life Family House

Gift of Life Family House is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a 30-room facility conveniently located near eight transplant centers, allowing families easy access to lodging while visiting.

For more information about the house or how you can help, please check out their Sundance Vacations Charities page.