For 24 years, the Portage Township YMCA has kicked off their annual support campaign with a Bowl-a-Thon event held at Camelot Lanes. This year’s theme is “We Build People”. The Y uses this event as an opportunity to motivate the community to support our cause. “IT’S NOT ABOUT BOWLING! It’s about raising money to help children in our community!” stated Amber Alexander, event chair.
This year’s event will take place on March 10 from noon-3:00 p.m. A team of 5 can participate for a small fee. The fee will include 3 games of bowling, shoes and a tee-shirt plus that satisfaction of knowing that they could help provide a child to go to preschool for one month.
Participants will also be asked to collect pledges from family, friends and neighbors to directly support children and families in our community to participate in programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Participants are asked to fundraise at least $50 in pledges for the event, and the three participants that raise the most money will be able to choose from three grand prizes that day of the event. The prizes are $250 cash, a one-year single membership to the YMCA and a one-year family membership to the YMCA.
We will also be raffling off baskets with local business items enclosed. The team that raises the most money overall will win a team trophy. Interested participants can pick up packets at the Welcome Center but they are going fast.
We are asking for sponsors, to help alleviate costs for the Y, to help put on this fundraiser as well as contribute to the Scholarship Fund. There are several types of sponsorships available. So bring yourself, your business or organization together to support a great cause!
Last year, the YMCA gave over $160,000 in the form of free memberships to police and firefighters, donations to agencies and families in need, military respite, and indirect assistance while only collecting $67,000 for their campaign. The Y has a scholarship fund for families and children who need financial assistance. The Scholarship Fund provides program and membership opportunities to people who may not otherwise be able to pay for services provided by the Y. This year, the Y’s goal is to raise $25,000 at our Bowl-a-Thon event to continue to provide opportunities to children and families in our community. Every little bit helps!
Questions about sponsorships or participation in the Portage Township YMCA’s Bowl-a-thon, please contact Amber Alexander at 762-9622 or e-mail amber@ymcaofportage.org.