LEWISTOWN — Five years ago, the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata launched a small golf fundraiser with a big purpose: bring the community together, celebrate the close of the annual campaign and rally one final push of support before the fiscal year wrapped.

What began as a modest spring outing has now become a signature tradition — and on Friday, May 8, the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata’s Fifth Annual Golf United Classic, returns to the Lewistown Country Club, located at 306 Country Club Road, Lewistown, with more energy, more teams, and even a few new surprises.

“It’s hard to believe this is our fifth tournament,” United Way of Mifflin-Juniata Executive Director Colette Hartzler said of the tournament which is being sponsored by the Geisinger College of Health Sciences. “Every year it grows, and every year the community shows up ready to have fun, and support the work we do. It’s become something people look forward to.”

Currently, the United Way has reached $374,000 of its fundraising goal of $450,000, Hartzler said.

This year’s golf classic will follow the familiar, golfer-friendly scramble format, with registration at 10:15 a.m., a light lunch at 10:45 and a shotgun start at noon. The cost remains $420 per foursome, which includes green fees, cart, lunch, beverages, giveaways and awards.

And yes — mulligans are still available for purchase.

New games bring new laughs

To celebrate the tournament’s fifth anniversary, organizers are adding several new on-course games, including one that is already generating buzz: the marshmallow drive.

“It’s exactly what it sounds like,” Hartzler said with a laugh. “You hit a marshmallow instead of a golf ball and see how far it goes. It’s silly, it’s fun and it gets people laughing. That’s what this day is all about — enjoying time together while supporting a great cause.”

Other new contests will be sprinkled throughout the course, joining returning favorites such as longest drive, straightest drive and hole-in-one challenges.

A growing tradition with growing impact

Last year’s tournament drew 27 teams and about 100 golfers, and organizers say they hoping for similar — or even higher — participation this year. There are plenty of room for teams to register and sponsorships available, and Hartzler emphasized that the event plays a meaningful role in closing out the annual campaign.

“This is our last fundraiser of the season,” she said. “Every team, every sponsorship, every donation helps us finish strong. The support we receive at this tournament directly impacts the programs and services we can provide throughout the year.”

The United Way’s annual campaign supports dozens of local initiatives, from early childhood education to emergency assistance to community health programs. While the 2026 campaign total will be announced later this spring, Hartzler said the organization is encouraged by the momentum heading into the final stretch.

“People in this community care deeply about helping their neighbors,” she said. “This tournament is a reflection of that spirit.”

A familiar course, a fresh experience

The Lewistown Country Club — a longtime partner of the event — will once again host the Classic. Its layout, amenities and central location have made it an ideal home for the tournament since its inception.

“LCC has been wonderful to work with,” Hartzler said. “They help us create a smooth, enjoyable experience for our golfers, and we’re grateful to be back again this year.”

While the tournament will not include an on-site awards ceremony — prizes will be distributed at a later date — golfers can expect plenty of giveaways, door prizes and course-side fun throughout the day.

Looking ahead while finishing strong

Even as the United Way prepares to close the books on the 2025-26 campaign, planning is already underway for the next one. The new campaign will kick off on Saturday, May 23, with a “Pride and Prejudice” Movie Night at the Miller Cinemas. Enjoy an elegant layout of tea, prizes and a truly great movie.

“That event will help us launch next year’s campaign with creativity and community,” Hartzler said. “But first, we’re focused on wrapping up this year — and the golf tournament is a big part of that.”

More information about the movie night will be released in the coming weeks.

Registration still open

With the tournament just weeks away, Hartzler encouraged anyone interested — whether seasoned golfers or first-timers — to sign up.

“We will take more teams,” she said. “The more the merrier. It’s a great day for a great cause.”

The registration deadline is Wednesday, April 22, and teams can register by contacting the United Way office at (717) 248-9636 or by visiting www.mjunitedway.org. Donations to the annual campaign can also be made online.

As the United Way celebrates five years of fairways, fundraising and community spirit, Hartzler said the heart of the event remains unchanged.

“It’s about coming together,” she said. “It’s about supporting our neighbors. And it’s about having a great day on the course while making a difference. We can’t wait to see everyone on May 8.”