Putt U, 5201 Route 309, Center Valley is celebrating its 25th anniversary by holding “The Craziest Mini-Golf Tournament Ever” 9 a.m. July 22 and donating a total of $10,000 to Lehigh Valley charities.

In this special tournament, golfers must play 18 holes of golf with anything but a regular putter. No golf clubs are allowed, so participants are encouraged to bring the most creative and outrageous gadget they can use to putt with. Prizes will be awarded to the person with the lowest score and the person with the “best putting gadget.”

This unique tournament will be the most fun you have ever had on a golf course, while supporting people in need at the same time.

The lowest scoring person’s qualified charitable organization of their choosing will receive $2,500. The person with the best putting gadget will also receive $2,500 to the charitable organization of their choosing. Ten additional charities will be randomly awarded $500 each. The only limitation is that winners’ selected charities must serve local residents.

The cost of registration for the tournament includes lunch, door prizes and a commemorative T-shirt and golf ball. Spots are still available to play, but registration is limited to the first 100 golfers. All golfers must be pre-registered to participate. Visit the website puttu.com or call 610-798-9800 to register or find out more information.

VALLEY YOUTH HOUSE

Host families sought

Valley Youth House, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and shelter for vulnerable youth, is pleased to announce the expansion of its Host Homes program across the Lehigh Valley. As part of this expansion, Valley Youth House is actively seeking compassionate individuals and families to serve as host homes, offering temporary housing for youth aged 16 to 21 who are experiencing housing instability.

In the past, Valley Youth House had Host Homes available exclusively in Allentown. However, recognizing the need to extend its reach and provide support to more young individuals in need, the organization has expanded its host homes program to encompass the entire Lehigh Valley region.

Host Homes provide a crucial alternative to shelters, offering a safe and supportive environment for young people who may find themselves without stable housing. Through this program, youth are matched with carefully selected and screened host families who open their homes and hearts to these individuals. The program also assigns a dedicated life-skills counselor who works closely with the youth, providing guidance and support as they navigate their transition into adulthood.

“Valley Youth House believes that every young person deserves a safe place to call home, and our Host Homes program plays a critical role in achieving that,” Christina DiPierro, program coordinator at Valley Youth House said. “We are excited to extend this program across the Lehigh Valley and are actively seeking compassionate individuals and families who can make a real difference in the lives of these young people.”

Prospective host families undergo a thorough screening process, which includes fingerprinting, to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth. Additionally, before a youth moves into a host home, the potential host family and the youth have the opportunity to meet and establish a connection, creating a sense of trust and belonging from the very beginning.

Youth enrolled in the Host Homes program will receive individualized support to address their unique needs and aspirations. The program aims to empower these young individuals, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to achieve long-term stability and success.

Since its inception in 2021, the Host Homes program has already demonstrated its potential to create lifelong connections between host families and youth. By fostering a nurturing and supportive environment, families can play a pivotal role in positively impacting the lives of these young individuals.

Valley Youth House invites interested individuals and families to consider becoming a host home and making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable youth. To learn more about the program and apply to become a host home, visit ValleyYouthHouse.org or contact Christina DiPierro at 484-280-3381.