Christian charity is a core part of the motto of the Ancient Order of Hibernians – “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity” – with a strong emphasis on children's charity for the local Lehigh County Chapter.
The chapter has its biggest charity event coming up in May, which is a golf outing to support Kolbe Academy in Bath, a Catholic high school for students in recovery from substance addiction.
Although Kolbe is closing at the end of this school year, money is still needed to help them fund the rest of the year.
“Golf Fore Hope” will be Friday, May 12 at Green Pond Country Club, Bethlehem. It will begin with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, scramble format, and include lunch on the turn, dinner, awards, prizes, giveaways, beverages, and fun.
For more information on “Golf Fore Hope” and to register, go to https://aohlehigh.wildapricot.org/event-4819299.
AOH is the oldest ethnic lay Catholic organization in the United States, founded concurrently in the coal-mining region of Pennsylvania and New York City in May 1836. The order can trace its roots back to a series of similar societies that existed in Ireland for more than 300 years.
Its goal is to be among the first to welcome new Irish immigrants, while preserving and fostering Irish culture such as art, dance, music, and sports. The order also provides a continuing bridge with Ireland for those who are generations removed from their ancestral homeland.
Today the AOH is in America, Canada, Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland. While the organizations share a common thread, the American AOH is a separate and much larger organization.
The Lehigh County Chapter recently gathered at Immaculate Conception BVM Church, Allentown for its St. Patrick’s Day Mass celebrated by Bishop Alfred Schlert.
Other recent events include Tir na n’Og Irish Night with The Rogue Diplomats; Allentown City Hall Flag Raising; Phantoms Hockey vs. Bridgeport Islanders; Membership Recruitment Roundtable; Mass for Deceased AOH Members, Family, and Victims of Abortion; Trick or Trunk; Celtic Classic Volunteer at AOH Tent; Corn Hole Board Raffle; and Our Lady of Knock Mass.
The chapter’s charitable ventures include Toys for Joe’s Kids, scholarships for local Catholic high schools, support of the O’Grady/Quinlin Academy of Irish Dance, and many other worthwhile causes.
For more information on the Lehigh County AOH, go to www.wildaoh.com.