As an avid bowler and bowling enthusiast, I often wonder how I can spread my love of the game with people. Not only have I found a way to spread my love of the game, I have found a way to benefit many causes as well.
The other day when I was surfing the web, I came across an article by the Daily Gazette Editorial Board, spotlighting the local bowlers in Latham, New York, who raised over $10,000 at the 28th annual New York bowling fundraiser.
Reading this made my day. Not only did people get to enjoy a day of bowling, but the money that the cause went to made it even better. The proceeds benefited the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York who represent the estimated 45,000 people living with epilepsy in the 22 counties that the group represents.
This is a great way for people to bond and raise awareness within communities regarding illnesses, diseases, and social problems. As a bowler, it is incredible to see people bonding bowling a few games while raising money for a great cause in the meantime.
After I read this article, I had a few ideas in my mind. I thought it would be great to put on a fundraiser at my local bowling center to raise awareness for a few things that I have come to know in my life.
If you have the desire to put on a bowling fundraiser to support a cause you really care about, there are a few things you should do to prepare.
Make sure that you meet with the management crew from your local bowling alley and find out dates and times that you would be able to reserve the building or 10-20 lanes if you want to have a smaller event. See if you can try to rent the space for free. Exaggerate the fact that the proceeds are going to a good cause and try to win their support. Convince them that the fundraiser will be a great way for them to advertise and market their facility.
Make sure to have plenty of door prizes. People love to come out to fundraisers and try to win door prizes. I would suggest making things interesting. People can buy tickets for the door prizes but have a separate door prize category for people who score well in the games they play. For instance, if someone bowls a turkey, otherwise known as three strikes in a row, they win a prize. Keeping things interesting within the game introduces a whole new element to the fundraiser.
Try to have a few local businesses sponsor your event. With sponsors, the more word of your fundraiser will reach the community. Which means more people, more interaction, and more funds raised for your cause.
Spread the word of your event through social media. People talk and word travels quickly in small communities. It is easier than ever to inform people with social media. I suggest creating a Facebook event and send it around to as many people as possibly and ask them to share it with their friends too.
Finally, have fun at your fundraiser! Be engaged with the people that come out and thank them for attending. Encourage them to donate but be prepared to explain every aspect of your donations and where the money is going to. People want to know to feel good when they donate to the right cause.
Sometimes I find myself having doubts in the world. Whether it be hearing a bad story on the news or having negative interactions with customers at work. However, things like these really restore my faith in society.
I find myself looking at the positives a little more when I read things like these. Seeing people partake in the sport that I love, all benefitting a great cause and sharing the experience with one another that will create lifetime memories.
Once fundraisers like this take off, there is no stopping it. Great events bring back people and invite new faces. To think that over $10,000 was raised to benefit an organization just by bringing people together to bowl a few games, that it truly inspirational.
What do you think about bowling for a fundraiser? Is this something that you would enjoy taking part in? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.
Steven Truant Blogs 