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21 Great BVL Fundraising Ideas
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| A Word from the Wise |
| Get Your Board, Bowlers, and Bowling Centers Involved! Many associations say their BVL campaign wouldn't be effective without the backing of their board. How to convince the board members that keeping the 60 years old BVL promise to our veterans is important? Introduce Bowling's Leadership to the plight of the veterans. |
In Houston, TX, Glenda Miller reports representatives from their association go into the area VA hospital and volunteer at special events for the veterans. Their biggest effort is the annual "Rodeo" where bowlers work at several exhibit booths at an evening of fun for the patients. Several of the big give-away prizes are also coordinated by the WBA.
Katy Schwinn in Ohio ensures that their board realizes the value of their BVL participation: During their state convention, she arranged a visit to the Dayton VAMC. The VA even called the American Legion to send over their bus to bring the bowling leadership to and from the hospital. Katy explains that the administrator himself gave a three hour tour detailing all that BVL has done for that facility. Says Katy, "We saw the BVL logo all around the hospital--on TV's, in the swim lanes, above the boxing equipment. It really made us all feel good about what we're doing."
"An Evening with the Veterans" is a great opportunity for 20 members from both the Gulf Coast WBA and BA to get to know the challenges facing our hospitalized veterans. Cathy Varble explains they coordinate at least two parties each year, featuring food and bingo. Everyone has a good time, Cathy says, bowlers and veterans alike.
Elfi Tomczyk of San Antonio, TX shared their association's idea to encourage a closer relationship between their bowlers and area veterans. They created Valentine's Day cards which were brought around to each of the leagues, signed and delivered to the VA Hospital. What delighted the BVL coordinators and the bowlers was the response that the cards received. The VA even sent back thank you letters!
Proprietors in the Conway, SC area who participate in the BVL effort in some way are recognized by the associations. Thelma Regg explains that their association always creates certificates of appreciation for those bowling centers which helped them "reach the BVL goal."
"If Mohammed can't come to the mountain"...In Hampton Roads, VA, local BVL leaders Sharon and Bill Mounger have re-created this critical concept. Because it would be logistically impossible to bring all the bowlers to the VA Hospital, they brought the VA leaders to the bowling center. Each year, at the BVL Tournament Kick-Off, they invite VA administrators to accept the BVL donation check (sent from BVL Headquarters) at an area bowling center. That way, bowlers can feel more a part of the BVL campaign and can actually see the fruits of their labor.
Many of the local associations sell "BVL Supporter" lapel pins to raise local funds.
Now Read This...
Orange You Smart. For many associations, the annual BVL tournament is the cornerstone of the local BVL fundraising campaign. And some associations have really perfected the science of a major fund-raiser. Take the Orange County (CA) WBA. Thanks to a group of steadfastly-dedicated volunteers, the women from Orange County have elevated their BVL tournament to one of the annual bowling calendar highlights. This event, planned up to a year in advance, attracts bowlers from all over Southern California.
Increase Your Earnings, Bowl with a Vet. In Washington, DC, the Women's Bowling Association and Men's association have instituted a bowl-a-thon, with a twist...Whenever possible, veterans from area hospitals are invited to bowl with board members. Team members (even the veterans!) solicited committments of a penny or nickel or dime per pin. In one weekend event, more than $10,000 is generated. BVL sparkplug Carolyn Jozwiak says that having the veterans there really helps remind everyone what BVL is all about.
Publicity 'R Us. Bill and Sharon Mounger from Hampton Roads, VA report that their tournament is actually held monthly throughout the season. This great event averages 50 doubles teams and has gained the attention of proprietors throughout their area who now want the tournament to rotate around the region. The reason is simple. Bill and Sharon have become professionals in the area of publicity and promotion. At their kick-off tournament they attracted many VIP attendants including area Congressman Bobby Scott, the Hampton Roads Chief of Police and several VAMC officials and veterans from the area VAMC. The resulting media and television coverage brought much interest to the effort. Sharon and Bill have developed BVL pens with these words imprinted: "The BVL Bowlers Serving Veterans Nationwide." Ask Bill and Sharon for their business card? It says "The BVL " with an American flag emblazoned in the center.
You Win. We Win. We All Win. 50/50 Raffles are quickly becoming the fastest growing method of BVL fundraising, and many associations note that this concept, because it has a built-in motivator for league members (a chance to win money!), is perhaps the quickest way to build the BVL coffers.
And the Winner is... For those states, however, which may encounter difficulties in conducting a straight raffle, making the raffle a game of skill will eliminate much red tape. In Novato, CA they award 30% of the prize fund for high series, 20% for high game and the remaining 50% goes to the BVL. In addition, the city bowling associations gave a prize to that league which raised the most money for the BVL.
The Dues Do It. Many associations simply include a BVL line item in their local association dues, whether it's 5 cents or $1.25, the bowlers all recognize that part of their dues helps hospitalized veterans.
One Small Step for a Bowler, One Giant Step for BVL. Back in Novato, (CA) Bea Hoffman explains they go a step further. At the league meetings, a contribution of $2.00 is requested of all the bowlers. $1.25 goes to the BVL and $.75 pays for shirts and travel expenses for the state finals. Good thinking, Bea!
Oops, You Missed. Another of the most popular methods of fund-raising is to ask each bowler to donate a fixed amount ($1.00 or $.25), for each miss, strike or spare.
Spaghetti's On. Columbus, OH really pulls out the stops for BVL each year. One annual event--the spaghetti dinner--alone nets over $1,000. The local bowling associations have secured the American Legion hall gratis, and tickets are sold for $4.00 each. Over 200 meals are served on this busy night, plus diners are greeted with a table laden with dessert goodies, which generates even more revenue.
I Love New York. The Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, the beautiful Hudson River Valley and the New York Lottery. The Genesee Valley Women's Bowling Association recognized the visibility of their state lottery and for seven years has built upon its success. Nancy Vallese from the GVWBA reports that their own lottery based on the daily NY lottery numbers, has brought in an astonishing $50,000 since its inception. Color-coded tickets are printed in bulk at the beginning of each season and sold for $5.00. One third of all earnings goes into the BVL account.
Empty Your Attic for BVL. In addition to the dinner, the Columbus, (OH) WBA also coordinates a garage sale, held each year on the Saturday before Labor Day. Last year, donations of goods for the garage sale brought in over $700!
Businesses Offer Matching Grants. For BVL volunteers employed by larger companies, take a lesson from Fran McLeod of West Palm Beach, FL. While reading her company newsletter, she learned that her employer, Bell South, offers grants on behalf of those employees who volunteer between 50 to 100 hours of their time annually to a nonprofit charity. The grants totalling $200, are made directly to the charity. Fran also told us about one of the most unique ideas we've yet run across...
A Pepsi and a Dog at Wal-Mart. The area Wal-Mart makes their Pepsi and hot dog cart available to local charities to sell refreshments over the weekend in the parking lot of their store. Fran (McLeod) explained that the Pepsi was purchased directly from the distributor and the dogs were purchased through Sam's Club. The result? After expenses, the area BVL drive was $500 richer! What's more, through an existing Wal-Mart program, the company offered a matching donation. Thanks, Fran, for this great idea.
Bowlers Show their Stuff. Gwen Reynolds of Witchita, KS says that each month their leagues have a "BVL Night." Tickets are sold five for $1.00. Then each team--selected on a rotating basis--provides small gifts for the raffle: candlesticks, towels, handmade crafts, etc. That's a great idea for many of our multi-talented bowlers!
A special thanks to all the BVL leaders who shared their ideas with us.
You are all the best!If you need more information about any of these ideas, or have other ideas to share, please email BVL Public Relations.
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