Release issued September 29, 2026. (Pictured from left are Kevin and Michelle Cavanaugh of Callie Cares and Michelle Ward, co-founder of Kids Can’t Fight Cancer Alone, accepting donations from the Tri-County REC and Tri-Co Connections 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament held Sept. 22 at Tyoga Golf Course in Wellsboro. Each organization received $14,000 to support children and families facing serious medical challenges). Click on images to enlarge.
WELLSBORO, PA — Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) and Tri-Co Connections (TCC) welcomed 30 teams to Tyoga Golf Course for their 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, raising $28,000 to support two local organizations dedicated to helping children and families navigate serious medical challenges, including the unimaginable realities of pediatric cancer.
Proceeds from this year’s tournament were split evenly between Callie Cares and Kids Can’t Fight Cancer Alone, with each organization receiving a $14,000 donation to continue supporting children and families through difficult medical journeys.
Representing the beneficiary organizations at the event were Kevin and Michelle Cavanaugh, formerly of Wellsboro, Pa., parents of the late Callie Cavanaugh and founders of Callie Cares, and Michelle Ward, co-founder of Kids Can’t Fight Cancer Alone and mother of pediatric cancer survivor Timmy Ward of Canton, Pa.
The day began with a performance of the National Anthem by local musician Ronda Brill, followed by a full day of golf and community support. Local businesses, organizations, individuals, and partner vendors once again demonstrated their generosity through sponsorships, donations, and tournament participation.
“This tournament is about partnership and neighbors helping neighbors during some of the most difficult moments a family can face,” said Cat Rush, Marketing Manager for Tri-Co Connections and co-lead of the annual event. “No child should have to endure a serious medical diagnosis, and no family should have to walk that road alone. When
families in our communities are facing devastating circumstances, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to step forward and remind them that an entire community stands alongside them.”
Callie Cares was established in honor of Callie Cavanaugh to support families navigating serious medical challenges, raise awareness, and provide assistance during difficult times. The roots of the organization, however, can be traced back to Callie’s own compassion and generosity. Even while facing her own medical challenges, Callie remained
focused on the other children around her who would be spending Christmas in hospital rooms instead of at home with their families. Determined to brighten their holiday, she helped launch a fundraising effort by selling Callie Cares T-shirts to raise money for Christmas gifts for children undergoing treatment. That act of generosity planted the seed for what would later become Callie Cares, an organization that continues to bring hope, comfort, and support to families facing serious medical challenges.
Kids Can’t Fight Cancer Alone was co-founded by Michelle Ward following her son Timmy’s battle with Hodgkin lymphoma. The organization is dedicated to ensuring families facing childhood cancer have access to support, resources, hope, and a community that understands their journey.
Since its inception in 2020, the Tri-County REC/Tri-Co Connections Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $162,000 to support regional causes and families in need, including flood relief efforts, aging services, educational initiatives, recovery programs, and individuals facing unexpected hardships.
Plans for the 2027 charity golf tournament will be announced in the coming months.
For more information or to become involved in future charity initiatives led by Tri-County REC and
Tri-Co Connections, contact Brittany Hopkins at brittanyh@ctenterprises.org.
