BVL/VA 64th Annual Tournament
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Bowling Centers Increase BVL Support

Rise in Vets Hospitalization Anticipated

As the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) begins its 68th year of service to America’s active duty and veteran military men and women, bowling centers around the country are responding to an appeal to support the sport’s own charity.

“The participation of America’s bowling centers is critical for BVL as we drive to meet our commitment to veterans,” explains BVL Chair Darlene Baker. “It was just a short time ago when our own BVL Board member Wally Hall reached out to his fellow proprietors to seek their support. They have responded enthusiastically!”

Hall has called upon the nation’s bowling centers to become actively involved in the BVL campaign. “Our goal is to reach $1,000,000 in our current annual drive,” noted Hall. “We need the involvement of our bowling centers to achieve this objective.”

BVL programs help brighten veteran’s hospital stays with smiles, laughter, physical fitness, and the incentive to enthusiastically advance therapy goals. “BVL provides the recreational and therapeutic boost that brings energy to the hospital setting – enjoying a musical performance, taking part in a team bowling event, or participating in a pet therapy program can mean the world to our veterans. Thanks to BVL contributors, we make a difference every day in the lives of thousands of vets,” added Baker.

Recent center-based donations range from local fund-raising events to a company commitment. Pat and Lisa Ciniello’s six Bowland Centers in Southwest Florida coordinated and conducted a BVL campaign netting $5,530 in just one-month’s time, while Bowl America president Les Goldberg has donated a total of $15,500 through the ‘Leslie H. Goldberg Charity Fund.’

Although many of these contributions are recorded from proprietors new to the BVL family, several bowling center owners have led the way with both personal and center-based programs. John LaSpina, with six bowling centers in the New York Metropolitan area, has contributed personally as well as through efforts at his centers. “BVL is just the right thing to do,” remarked LaSpina. “These men and women have put their lives on the line for us, we need to and must give back.”

Thunderbird Lanes, a three-center chain in the Philadelphia area has just concluded their second fund-raiser for BVL. “We did the BVL “Heroes in Our Midst” campaign to raise money and recognize the vets in our communities, and the reaction from our bowlers was tremendous,” commented Thunderbird’s Administrator Mary Harrar. “This is a win-win situation – our bowlers love it and we’re doing something great for BVL.”

Thunderbird Lanes presents BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker with a contribution of over $4,800 from their BVL “Heroes” Campaign. Pictured: (L to R) Darlene Baker for BVL; Jay Harrar, Mary Harrar, Dave Zeitz, Gailmarie Wehmeyer, and Steve Faunce of Thunderbird Lanes.

John Sommer, owner of five bowling centers in Illinois is another long-time BVL supporter. Sommer spearheaded the “Bowlers Salute America’s Troops” portable carpet kit, which has resulted in the shipment of over 500 mini bowling lanes to active duty troops. “These portable lane kits mean that our active duty troops can enjoy some fun and share a slice of home and America’s favorite sport with their unit,” says Sommer. “When you read the thank you letters and see the pictures we receive, it makes you feel good to know we provided just a little bit of diversion from their difficult jobs.”

The call for BVL programs and services continues to rise as patient load stateside is expected to skyrocket. In the first 10 months of 2009, at least 1,800 troops were wounded in Afghanistan alone, about 40% of the total of wounded since operations began there in 2001. Similarly, four times as many troops were injured in October 2009 as compared to October 2008. Improvised explosive devices account for many of the wounds, resulting in severe injuries, which can mean up to one year of hospitalization.

“The response we received to our BVL campaign solidifies the long held belief that bowlers are huge supporters of our nation’s military veterans,” said Lisa Ciniello, Vice President of Bowling Management Associates, operators of the Bowland centers. “We couldn’t be prouder of the men and women who serve our country and likewise, we can’t say thank you enough to the bowlers for their continued contributions to an outstanding organization like BVL.”

Military Bowling Championships to Support BVL

The 53rd Annual Military Bowling Championships, this year on January 17 - 21, 2010 -- is a tournament rich in history and tradition; bringing military bowlers from worldwide assignments to participate in competition in three divisions - active duty, retired and senior retired. Primarily a team event with teams comprised of six players, the championships provide bowlers not only great competition, but also the opportunity to bond with fellow service members. It was held at the Gold Coast Hotel, Casino and Bowling Center in Las Vegas. Read more >

BVL Joins in Veterans Day Honors

On a bleak November morning, thousands of Americans gathered on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery to take part in our nation’s salute to those who have served our country. The November 11 activities included a mixture of pomp and circumstance, patriotic reminiscences and somber reflection; all appreciated by the capacity crowd which filled the Amphitheater atop the grounds. Read more >

Like the other members of the Veterans Day National Committee, which organizes the annual ceremonies, the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) representatives took great pride in the event which featured speeches by President Obama, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Shinseki, and the collaborative effort of the more than 40 member organizations on the Committee. Read more >

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