BVL Grant Publicity – We need your help!

One of the critical elements of the BVL funding package is publicity. BVL is interested in seeing that the information on donations goes out to our communities so that the bowlers can be recognized, rewarded and inspired to continue in their efforts. Although BVL handles the public relations campaign on a national scale, each recipient facility is being asked assist in publicizing the donations. To that end, a slotted press release has been developed to help all of our local communities gain a positive awareness of the BVL program and the great service that the VA Hospital network provides. Through this, all of us can benefit from the media attention.
Simply complete the slotted release (download) and forward it to your Public Affairs Officer to distribute to area media. Please note that the BVL would like tear sheets of any subsequent media coverage to be sent to their offices.

     

Annual BVL/VA Bowling Tournament
Provides Camaraderie, Fitness and Fun!

Whether your recreational event plans include a weekly bowling program, or your patients rarely pick up a ball; there’s a space for your team in this annual BVL-sponsored event. With seven different divisions based on facility size and physical limitations, vets of all ages and abilities can enjoy the fun of team bowling.

Held each spring, the tournament is based on a 45 game total – with five team regulars and up to three alternates each bowling fifteen games.

“We recently redesigned the tournament to make it easier to get in the games within a month’s time,” explains BVL Chair Elaine Hagin. “The evolution of healthcare delivery and patient hospital stays mandated that we make our tournament more accommodating to abbreviated windows of recreation time.”

Another change in the tournament is that recreation therapists can submit all scores on-line at the BVL website – eliminating the need for extra paperwork and reducing administration hours.

All participants in the tournament receive a certificate and the top three teams in each division earn a trophy. In addition, a small stipend for food and refreshments for a team celebration is offered to the winning team in each division.

Here’s what some VA staffers have said about the event:

“The BVL Tournament gives many of our veterans a chance to come together and build a positive, lasting relationship,” says the Augusta VA’s Chief of Recreation Services Harold Wells. “Our veterans enjoy the fellowship and the fun of a team working together—bowling provides the opportunity for group approach and participation.”

VA Puget Sound Health Care System's Recreation Therapy Manager, Kristine E. Goedhard, CTRS:  "The tournament provides an outlet for veteran's to have fun and become physically active - no matter what their ability.”

"The tournament affords our guys the opportunity to continue to compete on a national level in a sport they really love - this is what they talk about all year.” Boise VAMC Visual Impairment Coordinator Valerie Duffy.

     

Help Support BVL Contributions to VA Hospitals

Since 1942, BVL has raised more than $32 million for recreational and therapeutic programs and services for veterans around the country. Many of you already know how important that funding is to make your programs a success. To insure that our bowlers understand this critical need to continue support for recreational activities, we’re asking all VA’s receiving BVL funds to help publicize the BVL grants. Download our specially-designed press releases to send out in your area.

     

Pro Bowlers Available for free
Bowling Clinics for Veterans

For more than 60 years, the sport of bowling has been committed to America’s veterans. More than 1,000 local league associations help raise money through BVL. Campaigns are held at more than 5,000 bowling centers across the U.S. But that support for veterans doesn’t stop there…

America’s professional bowlers have always put their hearts into the BVL program. Throughout the years, the BVL has been proud to have so many professional bowlers offer their time and talents to help get our veterans rolling. The BVL “Celebrity Bowling Tour” is still helping introduce hundreds of new bowlers to the sport or help some rusty swings get back into shape.

Recently, professional bowlers have visited and given bowling clinics to veterans in West Virginia, Nevada and Florida. There may be a pro bowler near your facility that can visit with your patients. If you would like to give your bowling program a boost, please e-mail us and we’ll put you on our list!

     

Operation Honor Force Kicks-Off
Honor a Special Vet

A brand-new BVL program launched just recently encourages us to honor a special veteran, active duty or reservist we know. Operation Honor Force has been designed to help each of us remember how important the sacrifices are of each our service men and women. If you know anyone who would like to honor a member of America’s fighting forces, call 703-934-6039 to learn more about Operation Honor Force, or complete your form online.

 

BVL Home | About BVL | How Can I Help? What's New | Veterans Programs | Contact Us