Since 2003, Bowland Port Charlotte has campaigned for BVL using a variety of activities and programs.  The centerpiece of their undertakings is focused on the month of November when they ask customers for a donation of $1.00 or $5.00.  Contributors are then recognized via a BVL paper bowling pin which is printed on red, white and blue paper and displayed around the customer service desk.  They also conduct a bowling ball raffle and coordinate 50/50 drawings during their leagues.  Their most recent fundraiser garnered over $760, helping to bring Bowland’s total (from each of their six centers) to more than $7,000!

Explains McDonald, “We’re proud to be part of the BVL effort.  We feel that it is a small contribution to help those that made sacrifices in their lives by serving our country for us to enjoy the freedom that we enjoy each day.”

]]> http://www.bowlforveterans.org/2011/11/10/323/feed/ 0 http://www.bowlforveterans.org/2011/11/09/minneapolis-again-ranks-as-top-local-association-contributor/ http://www.bowlforveterans.org/2011/11/09/minneapolis-again-ranks-as-top-local-association-contributor/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:18:31 +0000 BVLauthor http://www2.bowlforveterans.org/?p=209 BVL National has developed a special BVL “Brand” logo for State and Local USBC Associations to illustrate their support for BVL National efforts, including the tours of “Re-Creation,” the six national veterans special events, “Welcome Home” events at Bethesda Naval/Walter Reed, and the annual BVL/VA Bowling tournament (now in its 66^th year). 

The logos have been distributed to top BVL state and local USBC supporters for the 2010-2011 BVL fiscal year – including California, Virginia and Florida; Minneapolis, Greater Seattle and Greater Charlotte.  The graphic features the name of the state or local association incorporated with the BVL logo.

“Through this new logo concept, we want to recognize those associations that exemplify the value of BVL teamwork,” explains BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker.  “We cannot support the myriad activities we conduct on a national level without the express backing of our local and state associations.  Additionally, we can’t provide the grants to local VA Hospitals, State Homes and Vet Centers without the same local and state funding.”

Continues Baker, “Many of our contributors want to direct their donations toward specific facilities or programs, which we are happy to do.  However, they also recognize the value of the national efforts which can only be achieved by working together; this logo will represent their commitment to both the local and national BVL efforts.”

Greater Minneapolis USBC is an example of this spirit of giving.  For the past several years, they have made the largest local association donation to BVL.   They request that the majority of their funding be designated for Minneapolis area VA facilities.  “We know that our bowlers want to support our area veterans, so we work with BVL National to see that the grants for our area facilities are sent to our offices,” says Minneapolis BVL Chair Butch Kesller.  “Then our representatives fan out around the VA Hospital and State Homes to present the check personally.” 

“We also know that our contributions help support “Re-Creation” and other BVL programs which our hospitals really enjoy, so together, we can make sure these programs continue,” adds Kesller.

Coordinated by BVL through the recreation therapy departments, the tournament is a time honored tradition in the VA system.  Launched in 1947 on the White House lanes, the sport and the tournament have seen many changes over the years — automated scoring, internet submissions and the addition of a video game bowling division.  However, the tournament still holds true to its original mission — to provide an opportunity for physical exercise and team bonding and camaraderie development.

“The BVL tournament provides us an opportunity to get our veterans engaged, and keep them motivated,” remarked Bay Pines VA Medical Center Recreation Therapist Jessica D’Alessio.  “Bowling is a great leisure skill that they can learn here and then take home to enjoy with their family and friends.”

Bay Pines entered a number of different teams in the 2011 event, in the Outpatient and Seniors Divisions as well as the new video game Bowling Divisions.

The seniors’ team, which came in first in their division, brought together a special group of vets, “All of the bowlers on our team are Vietnam Veterans – Marines, Navy, Army, and Air Force.  Some of us served on the ground with combat troops, others flew helicopters – supporting the mission.   We are all proud to have served our country,” notes Bruce S. a retired Army Lt. Col., who put in two tours in Vietnam, in 1965 with the 1st Air Cavalry, and again in 1968 with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.  “The tournament gave us an opportunity to compete, have fun, and bond in a positive environment.”

Although the posted tournament dates are March of each spring, for the patients at Bay Pines, the BVL tournament is much more than a four-week event.  D’Alessio explains that at their facility, the BVL tournament is really a months-long, multi-faceted experience.

2011 Tournament Winners from the Bay Pines (FL) VAMC

They begin by setting up a weekly veterans planning group to discuss their ideas, interests and potential involvement in the BVL tournament.  The veterans also oversee a myriad of related activities.  They created their own team name and logo (they chose “Bay Pines Mockingbirds”); identified a list of categories for planned internal awards (working with a veteran who had an interest in creative writing, they developed catchy phrases for certificates, i.e. “Poetry in motion” for best bowling form);  developed a unique trophy for top participants (hand painted bowling pin made from ceramic molds); promoted the event through newsletters and flyers; coordinated practice play at an area bowling center in advance of the tournament dates; and obtained donated gift certificates from the center to use as raffle prizes during the banquet to encourage future bowling outings.

“I liked it, it was fun and it was something to do to keep me outta trouble!” joked Wii Seniors team member Frank J. a 94-year old WW2 and Korean War Retired Army Veteran.  “I always liked bowling. The wife and I used to belong to a team and we went twice a week.  This program keeps my mind busy and keeps me young! I come three days a week and I hope they never get rid of it.”

Frank’s teammate Robert H, a US Navy Veteran who fought at Iwo Jima, adds, “The best thing is to be up there bowling and get a strike, a double and then a turkey.  It feels good to play with the other members of the team!”

Bay Pines will have an opportunity to defend their titles again this spring.  The results will be released in April.

For many returning service men and women, their first stop on home soil is Bethesda Naval Medical Center.  There, they receive the care and treatment necessary to help them overcome their injuries.  But days of doctors appointments and therapies can get get pretty boring.  Through BVL’s “We Salute You” bowling events, our recoving service men and women can get out of their routines and have some fun bowling.

This was Greater Richmond USBC’s second time to host, and the response from the attendees was just as enthusiastic as the first.  More than 20 service men and women arrived at the center ready to try America’s favorite sport.  The center was decorated with balloons and signs and the music was on.  After the shoes and balls were selected and the balls started rolling, the lunch menu came out.  Participants were treated to a variety of foods and drink.

For many of the attendees it was their first time bowling with prosthetics, but all had a great time.

The afternoon was a perfect 300 for the bowlers.  Some of the responses were:

“I enjoyed today, I had tons of fun… it was a blast!”  — Mark (Army) OIF/OEF

It was my first time wheelchair bowling, the ramps were awesome and I had a great time.” –Josh (Marines) Afghanistan

“The whole event was fantastic, thank you!”  — KC (Marines) OIF

“Today was fun and encouraging, because I like seeing that I can still do everything I did before.” – Jacob (Marines) Afghanistan

“Bowling was great.  I hope you guys do this again.”  — Devin (Army) OIF/OEF

And when the bowling was over, all attendees received a special BVL gift package — a backpack filled with treats, BVL  playing cards, and a BVL T-Shirt with the phrase “Bowling Supports America’s Troops.”  Thanks to the Greater Richmond USBC, we stand by that motto.

Thanks, Richmond USBC!