Lookaway Golf
A decade has passed since the Members of Lookaway Golf Club were deeply affected by the passing of Matthew “Matty” Renk, son of Course Superintendent Dave Renk and his wife Jackie. Matty, age 15, passed away while bravely battling brain cancer. After his passing, the Renk’s, a beloved part of the Lookaway family, created the Matthew Renk Foundation to provide assistance and financial support to other area families affected by pediatric brain cancer. To support the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, Lookaway’s Members, along with the Renk’s, created a golf tournament to honor Matty’s memory, on the very course where he golfed with his father and brothers.
This year is significant to Lookaway and the Foundation, not only recognizing the 10th anniversary of Matty’s passing, but also remembering the Foundation’s former Chairman of nine years, Bill Waldman, who passed away in early 2020. Waldman’s admiration for Matty and the Renk family, during their battle and after Matty’s passing, his commitment to establishing this event in their honor, and his tireless work to raise money for the Foundation, remains a driving force behind the event’s success year after year.
“This will be the 10th year Lookaway has hosted The Matthew Renk Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament. Jackie and I continue to be amazed at the enthusiasm and overwhelming support that the members of Lookaway have towards this event, as well as, the community at large. Every year the Tournament sell outs rapidly and we are very appreciative of the continued support. There is a bit of sadness this year - long time chairman of the Tournament and Foundation Board Member, Bill Waldman passed away. He was not only a Board Member, I am proud to call him a friend and a father figure to myself and many others. Bill will be sorely missed and we will do our best to honor his legacy moving forward.” – Dave and Jackie Renk
The tournament, fully subscribed with 84 golfers, is maintaining a healthy waitlist. To aid in the overwhelming response to participate, and new to the event this year, is a Live Auction and a Chip & Putt Contest. All events take place Monday, October 19th, 2020, along with lunch and reception for those golfing. Sloane Auto Group, Haldeman Auto Group, Keenan Motors and Kennedy Auto Group are generously donating new automobiles as Hole-In-One prizes on Lookaway’s Par 3 holes.
"2020 has seen changes in almost every aspect of our lives. For the Matthew Renk Foundation Tournament, those changes include the passing of its long term chairman, and tireless advocate, Bill Waldman. His dedication to the Foundation and the Tournament leaves a hole in the organization and in our hearts. Co-chairman Frank Shuman and I are committed to continue the legacy of giving that Bill promoted and to work with the same passion to help families struggling with the effects of pediatric brain cancer. In this, our 10th year, we hope to expand our contributions and exceed the $1 million mark over its lifetime. Please join us in a day of fun and giving in memory of Matthew Renk and Bill Waldman" - John Voltz, Lookaway Board Member and Co-Chair of the Matthew Renk Foundation Tournament
The Foundation directly supports families dealing with this awful disease and the financial hardships associated with the diagnosis, providing money for household bills, medical related expenses and lost wages. For information on Lookaway Golf Club’s Matthew Renk Foundation Tournament call 215-794-5727 or visit the Club’s website www.lookawaygolf.com.