Hunts For Healing representatives Pete Hatton (top, left) and John Piccotti (right) present a plaque of appreciation to Tammy Bonnice of Williams Companies.
Hunts For Healing, situated at Ringneck Ridge Hunting Preserve on the border of Bradford and Susquehanna counties near Laceyville, has provided recreational opportunities and camaraderie for wounded veterans since 2009, addressing the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of its guests.
The organization enjoys a solid reputation in the community, which has been generous in its support for programs and the accommodation of visiting veterans through sponsorships and volunteerism. “It’s sort of our lifeblood. We are totally blessed between the local community and the companies to support our endeavors,” said Hunts For Healing president Pete Hatton.
The board of directors never takes that generosity for granted and enjoy the opportunity to express their gratitude to their supporters, who range from individuals and churches to motorcycle groups and corporations. On July 15, Hatton and board member John Piccotti invited Tammy Bonnice of Williams to Ringneck Ridge to present her with a plaque in appreciation of all the natural gas transportation company and its employees have done for HFH clients over the past four years.
“They are a big supporter of our ‘Old Glory Shoot,’” Hatton cited as and an example. “Employees looking for volunteer hours have also been very helpful with us setting up and tearing down the ‘Family Camp.’” The aforementioned events, held respectively in June and July, had to be canceled this year due to the coronavirus.
Most recently, Williams donated several thousand dollars to help HFH sponsor a flintlock gun build event. “An average event for six soldiers costs $8,000,” Hatton noted. “More importantly, it involves an average of 40 volunteers. I don’t know of any place in the world where we could do something like that.”
“It helps everyone out here,” Piccotti added.
On behalf of Williams, Bonnice said what she loves best about working for the Tunkhannock-based company is its commitment to the community, the environment, and especially veterans. “Williams is always thanking our veterans and service men and women for their bravery and sacrifice,” she stated. Citing her grandfather who fought in Germany in World War II and a brother who fought in Operation Desert Storm, she added, “I’m proud to be an American, and it means a lot to me to know that Williams cares for all past and present servicemen.”