This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Chad Coble about an upcoming car show benefiting Camp Freedom, which helps veterans and first responders heal through outdoor activities.
Residence: Carbondale
Professional background: Employed in the hospitality industry for seven years, currently as director of sales and general manager for Hotel Anthracite, Carbondale
Title: Host and event planner
Q: What inspired this event?
A: To bring the community together and to provide an opportunity to build a relationship with our neighbors and support a tremendous organization in Camp Freedom.
Q: How many years has this fundraiser been a tradition?
A: Four years.
Q: What types of cars will be on display?
A: A little bit of everything for everyone, from classics and antiques to newer cars and motorcycles.
Q: What entertainment will you have?
A: There will be a DJ playing music, raffles, 50/50 drawings and door prizes as well as trophies handed out to the best in show. This year, the hotel is sponsoring a 3-foot grand prize trophy for the best in show.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: All of the proceeds will be going to benefit Camp Freedom in their effort to help disabled veterans, first responders and police officers.
Q: Why is community support so important to your cause?
A: Every single day you hear on the news about a member of our armed services, first responder or police officer taking their own life because of the trauma and things that they have dealt with or seen. And you hear about all of the statistics of this happening. If our event can contribute to helping just one person through the work that Camp Freedom does, then it would be a success, and the only way our event can be successful is through community support and the relationships that get built at events like this year after year.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.