Chamber of Commerce raises nearly $31,000 for Greater Pike’s Chant Fund

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce raised almost $31,000 for the Davis R. Chant Fund for the Arts at Greater Pike Community Foundation through its first-ever Fire & Ice Snowball Gala.

Held Feb. 1 at Skytop Lodge, the elegant black-tie event drew 89 attendees to honor the legacy of the late realtor and to celebrate Pike County’s artistic community.

“It was a magical evening — far above and beyond anything imagined,” said his widow, Judy Chant.

“Attending the Gala was a profoundly emotional and touching experience for our family and was wonderful to see this premier event celebrated in such a beautiful way,” added daughters Tamara Chant, a realtor at his namesake company, and Holley Chant.

The Davis R. Chant Fund for the Arts at Greater Pike supports local festivals including the Black Bear Film Festival, Milford Music Festival, Milford Dance Fest, Milford Readers & Writers Festival and Pike Opera.

The success of the inaugural Snowball Gala has set the stage for future events, with the next gala already scheduled for Feb. 7, 2026, again at Skytop Lodge.

The Chamber of Commerce and the Chant Family extend heartfelt gratitude to the evening’s sponsors. They include Biondo Investment Advisors, Bold Gold Media, Corning Natural Gas Corp., Davis R. Chant Realtors, Grey Towers Heritage Association, Judy Chant, Kalahari Resorts, Lackawanna College Lake Region Center, MHE Engineering, Milford Hospitality Group, Milford Pet Supply, Neversink Media Group, Olsommer Clarke Insurance Group Inc., Pike Development Group, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, PPL Electric Utilities, SERVPRO of Pike/NE Monroe Counties, Simone Collins Inc. and Turano Insurance.

“This elegant evening brought together local leaders, businesses, and residents to celebrate and support the arts, reinforcing the strength and vibrancy of Pike County,” said Dr. Jennifer Passenti, president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. “Together, we continue to foster growth, connection, and cultural enrichment that will benefit our community for years to come.”

Pete Helms, owner of Davis R. Chant Realtors and longtime friend and business partner of Dave Chant, added:

“Although I wasn’t able to attend this year’s gala due to a prior out-of-state commitment, I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about the event and the incredible way it honored Dave. I’m truly looking forward to being there for next year’s gala”

Essential information

Online donations to the Davis R. Chant Fund for the Arts can be made on Greater Pike’s Funds page. Scroll down to the fund name for the link.

Greater Pike offers individuals, families, and local businesses an opportunity to provide a permanent and personal way to give back to the community. For more information about opening a fund or contributing to an existing fund, contact Rick Little, Executive Director, at (570) 832-4686, ricklittle@greaterpike.org, or visit www.greaterpike.org, Facebook.com/GreaterPike and Instagram.com/GreaterPikeCF.