LAKE WINOLA —Lake Winola United Methodist Church held its Music on the Lawn and Craft Fair and Yard Sale event Aug. 27, but not to benefit the church.

Each year, a portion of the money from the event’s chicken barbecue, bake sale, hot dog and hamburger stand and toy stand goes to a local cause.

“For the past six years, we (Music on the Lawn committee) supported a cause,” said event chairperson Mark Frear. “Last year, we supported the Lake Winola Fire Department.”

This year, Music on the Lawn raised funds for Equines for Freedom, an organization headquartered in Factoryville that provides free equine-assisted post-traumatic stress disorder treatment (PTSD) to current and former U.S. military members, regardless of trauma or characterization of service.

Marley’s Mission, an equine-based therapy program for children and families who have experienced trauma, guides and supports this organization by allowing it to use their campus located in Newton Township.

“Our organization (Equines for Freedom) is thrilled to have the community support because we provide out treatment free to veterans,” said Heather Stage, equine specialist for Equines for Freedom. “We count on donations to be able to provide the therapy.”

Stage is a niece of Lake Winola UMC church member Arlene Fritsch, who volunteered at the hot dog and hamburger stand.

“It’s an absolutely wonderful organization,” Fritsch said about Equines for Freedom.

Fritsch also enjoys Music on the Lawn as well.

“Our chairperson Mark Frear is a dedicated and hardworking leader of the event,” she said. “All of the other people in the committee are also dedicated.”

An outdoor stage provided a venue for many local Christian musicians. Faithful Friends Quartet, which consists of two brothers Kevin and Tim McCollough, their brother-in-law Malcolm Polley, and friend Steve Dehaven, came from Homer City to sing to the people of Lake Winola. This was their second year performing at this event.

“Not only is the music good but the food is good,” said Polley. “And it’s nice to see people turn out to something like this to support the church, to support Equines for Freedom, and good Gospel music.”

Several other bands performed during the event, and Frear’s eight-year-old son Carter Frear collected donations from the audience to offset band expenses.

The event was sponsored by many local businesses in and outside the Lake Winola area.

The church members of Lake Winola UMC will continue to hold Music on the Lawn every fourth Saturday of August. They will continue to book different bands and support a different cause.

“We love to support the community and get the Word of God out there,” said Frear. “The event is a complete mission project.”

Faithul Friends Quartet from Homer City sing at Music on the Lawn in Lake Winola. From left are Kevin McCollough, Malcolm Polley, Steve Dehaven, and Tim McCollough.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_20160827_172017-1-.jpg.optimal.jpgFaithul Friends Quartet from Homer City sing at Music on the Lawn in Lake Winola. From left are Kevin McCollough, Malcolm Polley, Steve Dehaven, and Tim McCollough. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Equine specialist Heather Stage vending items for Equines for Freedom during the Music on the Lawn event in Lake Winola.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_20160827_175125-2.jpg.optimal.jpgEquine specialist Heather Stage vending items for Equines for Freedom during the Music on the Lawn event in Lake Winola. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Music on the Lawn benefits Equines for Freedom

By Ben Freda

For Abington Journal

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