Targeting Poverty: ‘Shoot for Hope’ Fundraiser Aims to Empower Families
ROCKWOOD, Pa. (August 13, 2025) – The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division’s Shoot for Hope fundraiser, in honor of Michael Stark, is back for an eighth straight year, offering a fun-filled day of sporting clays competition! This annual fundraiser benefits Pathway of Hope, a program that aims to end generational poverty. Supporters will spend the day shooting clay targets at this outdoor event, presented by the Stark family and friends, on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Highlands Sporting Clays, with accommodations provided by Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
“We encourage everyone to join us to break clays and build hope once again this September,” Lauren Fair, Divisional Social Services Director for The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division said. “It is an honor to carry on the legacy and pay tribute to Michael Stark, a beloved former member of The Salvation Army’s Greater Pittsburgh Advisory Board. The critical funds raised from this one-day event allow us to make a tangible difference in the lives of families from across Western Pennsylvania.”
Visit salvationarmywpa.org/shootforhope to purchase tickets to join as a guest, single player, or to form a team of four. Sponsorship packages are also available. Space is limited, the last day to sign up is Thursday, September 11. The day will begin with registration opening at 8 a.m., safety training at 9:45 a.m., a shotgun start at 10 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch and awards. All skill levels are welcome to participate in this 100-target event. Ammunition will be provided, and instruction is available. A shotgun will be available at each station; however, participants can bring their own equipment.
Children raised in nurturing, stable homes create the foundation for emotional well-being, academic success, social responsibility and long-term productivity. The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope is a case-managed program designed to support struggling families with children who are facing life barriers but are motivated to create lasting change. This strengths-based program empowers families to set goals and take actionable steps toward a brighter future. Families enrolled in Pathway of Hope meet regularly with a dedicated case manager to identify their strengths, set achievable goals, and develop a personalized plan for success. Through ongoing support and encouragement, families are connected to valuable resources and services within their community, helping to build a strong, reliable support network and achieve sustainable, long-term outcomes.
Pathway of Hope serves six counties in Western Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango. In fiscal year 2024, Pathway of Hope program served 74 families, and 170 children were positively impacted. Families in the program faced barriers to gaining employment, housing stability, transportation, childcare and more. Participation in Pathway of Hope resulted in 50 percent of barriers being reduced. In addition, 40 percent of these families increased their household income.
“Pathway of Hope has been a lifeline to me and my family,” said one mother in the program. “They are mentally and emotionally supportive and always giving of their time. I am truly grateful.”
“Pathway of Hope helped our family set reachable goals to strengthen our self-esteem, connected us to organizations and other people that helped us pave a brighter and more secure future for ourselves and our children,” shared another family. “We were blessed with a great case manager who helped us as we navigated through the program and made changes with us as different life circumstances came along.”
Shoot for Hope is presented by the Stark family. A special thank you to sharpshooter sponsors, BNY, UPMC and Four Buds Racing, and thank you to our cart sponsors BRIDGES, Frost Brown Todd, UPMC Somerset and Waldron Private Wealth. Sponsorship packages are still available. Visit salvationarmywpa.org/shootforhope for information.
Celebrating 160 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 134 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.