Inspiring Temple Firefighter Raises Over $50K For TX Charity

A Temple firefighter is carrying on tradition and has helped raise thousands for a children's charity in Killeen.

According to a press release from Variety, Temple Firefighter & EMT Cole Eason has raised more than $52,000 for fully-accessible summer camp, Peaceable Kingdom by Variety, in honor of his late father, Val Eason.

Peaceable Kingdom, by Variety is located in Killeen and boasts 122-acres to accommodate all campers’ needs and healing through nature. Peaceable Kingdom has become a place where kids of all abilities can push their personal limits while they discover the empowering freedom that comes from the great outdoors.

Cole's father, Val Eason passed away after fighting cancer, but just two months before his death, he and his son shared a special moment together that Cole would never forget. The two played a round of golf together as a way to remember a good friend, and after his father's passing Cole found a way to keep his father's spirit alive. Each year, Cole organizes an annual golf tournament to celebrate the memory of his father and support area children living with special needs.

“This tournament means so much to me every year because it’s a way for me to enjoy a round of golf with my Dad again,” said Cole. “All while having his name represent a bunch of folks having some fun with friends and family, on the golf course for a few hours, so we can help create some amazing experiences and opportunities for some amazing children."

July 10 marked the 12^th annual Val Eason Memorial Golf Tournament, and the 2020 Val Eason Memorial Golf Tournament has been tentatively scheduled for July 16, 2022 due to COVID-19.

“Being able to donate to Peaceable Kingdom every year, seeing the facility grow to create these experiences, is truly a blessing that we are grateful for every single player, sponsor, and volunteer that makes this happen year after year…. Here’s to $100k in the future!”

Thanks to the funds raised by his family and friends, Val Eason’s legacy lives on in the joy of thousands of children and families who visit Peaceable Kingdom by Variety every year.

Variety of Texas is a charitable organization that opens up the world for kids with special needs and their families by providing resources and empowering experiences.

It's Time to 'Stuff the Bus' for Central Texas Students

The new school year is just around the corner, and Central Texas students will face unique challenges as we put the pandemic behind us and look to the future.

One challenge no child should face is being without the essential school supplies they'll need to live up to their potential and achieve academic success.

That's where you and I come in. From July 19 to August 15, you can donate school supplies at the following locations. Donated supplies will benefit students in need in Belton ISD, Killeen ISD, and Temple ISD. (Click each district to view their 2021-2022 school supply lists.)

Public Campgrounds In Central Texas

After suffering from some major cabin fever throughout the pandemic, you can get some fresh air at a spot not too far from home.

PICS: Texas 'Salvation Cabin' a Perfect Airbnb for Nature Lovers

Salvation Cabin in Wimberley lies in the Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio. It's a charming 1-bedroom just next to the Blanco River, so depending on when you go, you could do some tubing and kayaking (host Adena even provides the tubes and watercraft), and there's a lot of hiking, exploring, fishing, and nature watching to do.