This year’s chicken dinner in honor of Jimmy Balchune will be held by the Jimmy Balchune Memorial Fund from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the Duryea VFW, with music by national recording artist Shackleford Lane along with a massive basket raffle, 50/50 and more.
The fund was able to team with the Embroidery Factory in Pittston to design amazing gear, which is also being sold on their website.
The Jimmy Balchune Memorial Fund was created to honor the memory of Jimmy Balchune, who unexpectedly passed away at the age of 39 on Oct. 13, 2020. Serving as the fund’s board and founders are his two brothers and five cousins.
A father, husband, brother, cousin, grandson, and a friend to many, Jimmy was a rare individual who unselfishly strived to serve others and always put family first. The fund was created to carry on his legacy of helping others throughout the Greater Pittston Area.
Last year, the fund was able to provide a $10,000 grant to the Duryea Wildcats Youth Football Organization which was used to replace aging safety equipment, uniforms and scoreboard. This year they plan on selecting a local charity within the Greater Pittston Area to also provide them with the annual $10,000 grant.
Growing up, Jimmy attended Holy Rosary Catholic School in Duryea and played football for the Duryea Wildcats and baseball for the Duryea Little League. He was an avid sports fan and loved the New York Giants, New York Yankees, and Michigan Wolverines. His created joy in life was his family. He was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife Amy, and proud father to his son Logan and daughter Mia. Upon passing, Jimmy gave the ultimate gift as an organ donor and saved seven lives-hence the reason why our logo is a 7 of Hearts.We greatly appreciate any visibility you can give our efforts in honoring Jimmy and our community.
