About 25 years ago, Dale Treese had an idea. He wanted to develop a match-play charity golf tournament that would benefit local organizations. Thanks to his dedication, the Pinnacle Cup marked its 21st year in June. Now Treese is retiring from the tournament that has raised funds for Camp Ladybug at GEARS in Elizabethtown for years.

"This tournament has meant an awful lot to me," he stated. "It's been very satisfying to have an event that's been successful enough to raise funds for worthwhile causes. Working on this tournament has really become a big part of my life."

Treese is stepping down to spend more time with his family, noting that organizing the tournament can be very time-consuming. He's had a few people inquire about taking the reins, but he's still weighing those options. Treese noted that when he started his dental practice in the area in 1981, he made a commitment to get involved in the community. "My wife and I were determined to identify different organizations that needed help and assist however we could," he said.

For many years, the Pinnacle Cup has been a main sponsor of Camp Ladybug, a free or low-cost, six-week camp for people with special needs, said Karen Eberly, senior program coordinator for GEARS. "We have been able to offer a much higher level of special events for our campers because of their donation to the camp," Eberly commented, adding that campers take one main field trip annually and participate in activities focused on the camp's theme. This year's camp ran from June 13 through July 22. "Dr. Treese's commitment and dedication to Camp Ladybug has been invaluable," Eberly remarked. "It has allowed us to offer the campers experiences that they otherwise may never be able to participate in." Over the years, the tournament has raised more than $110,000 for charity.

Many of the participants and volunteers with the Pinnacle Cup have been involved for years, including Barry Acker, who has played in every Pinnacle Cup and who said he has really enjoyed the competitive environment of the tournament. "Dr. Treese and his family put their heart and soul into this tournament, and Dale has a passion for the unique format he devised," Acker stated. "His love for competitive golf and the Elizabethtown community has always been so evident."

Stan Daubert has been supporting the tournament as a volunteer for six years. "When I found out this was the last year for it, I was emotionally affected," he said. "I thought about all the hard work that Dale has put into this all these years. I realized how deeply important this was to him and how much his heart was in this. I know it's been a difficult decision for him to step away." Treese has given so much of his time and financial support to the tournament over the years, Daubert noted. "Dale is just really selfless in this endeavor," he stated. "He really cares about helping others."