Valley Youth House held it’s 41st Annual John E. Walson, Jr. Memorial Golf & Pickleball Tournament on Monday, June 29, 2026 at Lehigh Country Club in Allentown. The tournament, presented by Service Electric Cable TV & Communications, raised $412,771 for youth experiencing homelessness in the Greater Lehigh Valley region.
Both morning and afternoon golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the course. At lunchtime, everyone looked to the skies for our first-ever Valley Youth House helicopter ball drop, where 200 golf balls were dropped from a helicopter, sponsored by an anonymous donor, onto the driving range in support of our programming. The closest ball to the pin won the grand prize, and in a wonderful act of generosity, the winner donated their prize back to Valley Youth House!
During the dinner reception, attendees heard from Valley Youth House leadership, including President and Executive Director Thomas R. Harrington and Senior VP of Advancement Christina J. Schoemaker, MBA, CFRE. Guests also received updates from Michael G. Starner, Senior Business Development & Government Affairs Manager at Service Electric Cable TV & Communications and a member of the Valley Youth House Lehigh Valley Board of Governors.
“It has been an absolute honor to serve as this year’s tournament chair, and I am deeply grateful for the community’s support. Every dollar raised at this event goes directly toward giving vulnerable youth in the Lehigh Valley a safe place to turn and the resources they need to thrive,” said Rusty Seyle, CRPS®, CPFA, WMS, Private Wealth Advisor, Managing Director | Seyle Hickey Private Wealth of Raymond James and 2026 Tournament Chair. “This generosity ensures that these young people don’t have to navigate their challenges alone, opening doors to a brighter, more stable future.”
Additionally, instead of playing in the John E. Walson, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament at Lehigh Country Club, four lucky foursomes won the Jet Away prize and traveled from the Lehigh Valley on two donated private jets to play a round of golf and dine at Laurel Valley Golf Club on Tuesday, June 23rd.
“Over the past 4 decades, the John E. Walson, Jr. Memorial Golf & Pickleball Tournament has raised over $4.5 million dollars for resilient youth and families experiencing homelessness, foster care, and other vulnerable situations,” said Emily Conners Henry, Director of Advancement and Marketing, Valley Youth House. “This remarkable legacy is not just measured in dollars, but in lives changed – young people finding stability, families accessing critical resources, and futures reimagined with hope.”
Events like this would not be possible without the generous support of individuals and sponsors who contribute their time and philanthropic support to the over 85 life saving programs offered by Valley Youth House.
For more pictures from the event, view our photo album (download PIN: 7450). For other recent event news, read about our record breaking Southeast PA Golf Tournament.
