What's New at BVL

The owners of the Big Bear Glow Machine, a popular and trend-setting vending machine system, have provided a unique offer to the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL): For every machine sold to the bowling industry from August 2009 into the future, Big Bear will donate $50.00 to the BVL.

The company behind Big Bear Web Glow Machine, which won “Best New Product” at a recent game convention, indicates their support for America’s active duty service members and veterans. “This is a cause we believe in,” comments Aaron Pelto, Managing Broker, Big Bear Glow Machine. “We are deeply committed to the bowling industry and we are deeply committed to those who have fought and sacrificed for our freedoms. Providing for the bowling industry’s own charity just seems like the right thing to do.”

Bowling centers purchasing a Web Glow Machine will have the added benefit of recognizing that their purchase has helped provide recreational and therapeutic programs and services for active duty military, as well as veterans recuperating in VA Hospitals around the country.

“BVL has a tall order before us,” explains BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker. “Our dollars pick up when government funding leaves off, but the numbers of veterans and active duty military who need and deserve to receive our programs and services continues to rise. We are profoundly grateful to Big Bear to assist us as we move forward.”

Big Bear, located in Santa Barbara, Calif., has catapulted to the forefront of the bulk vending industry through its releases of innovative product lines and technologically advanced platforms new to the vending industry.

BVL Recognizes Top Proprietor Contributions

Five bowling proprietors and one local Bowling Proprietors’ Association left Bowl Expo in Las Vegas recently each with their second consecutive Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) award, recognizing their outstanding support for the BVL cause during the 2008-2009 league season.

These same award winners also took home identical honors for their donations during the previous 2007-2008 season.

“We are deeply indebted to these proprietors for leading the way for BVL,” commented BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker. “It was just three years ago when we called on America’s bowling centers to join with our league bowlers to take on the BVL effort. They have responded enthusiastically!”

Maple Family Lanes, Brooklyn, NY, led the center-oriented contributions for the season with a total of $6,000. Proprietor John LaSpina has six centers in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

Left to right: John LaSpina, President, Maple Family Centers;
Darlene Baker, BVL BOD Chair

Left to right: Dave Zeitz, COO and Mary Harrar, Executive Administrator,
Thunderbird Lanes; Darlene Baker, BVL BOD Chair

Thunderbird Lanes followed very closely with $5,974.50 in donations. Thunderbird has three centers in the Philadelphia area that coordinated a BVL fund-raiser in conjunction with National Bowling Week. The third largest contribution was from the Leslie Goldberg Charity Fund for $5,000. Goldberg is the President of Bowl America, which has 19 centers along the East Coast. Operating five centers in Illinois, The Don Carter Lanes Group donated $3,519.50 to the BVL during last year’s season. Proprietor John Sommer conducted a “Heroes in Our Midst” campaign saluting veterans and active duty military in each of those communities.

Left to right: Wally Hall, BVL BOD member; John Sommer,
Don Carter Lanes Group; Darlene Baker, BVL BOD Chair

(Leslie Goldberg Charitable Trust award not pictured)

Left to right: Pat Ciniello, Bowland Centers; Darlene Baker, BVL BOD Chair

A special award was presented to Bowland Centers, with six centers in Southwest Florida. Proprietors Pat and Lisa Ciniello worked alongside their area USBC association to support the leagues’ efforts. This affiliation helped Southwest Florida USBC donate more than $11,000 to BVL during the 2008-2009 league season.

Left to right: Wally Hall, BVL BOD Member; Matt Gohla, Chicagoland BPA Tournament Director; William “Bill” Duff, Chicagoland BPA Executive Director; Darlene Baker, BVL BOD Chair

Another fruitful relationship resulted in a $2,215.98 contribution to the BVL: The Chicagoland Bowling Proprietors Association was recognized as the fifth highest contributor as part of that association’s annual “Beat the Champs” contest. BVL was named one of the charities for that event.

BVL Presents “Re-Creation” Performance,
Association Awards at USBC Convention

More than 1,000 delegates and guests at the USBC Annual Convention in Reno rose to their feet in approval following the performance by BVL’s “Re-Creation.” The standing ovation was a response to the group’s tribute to America’s veterans in the crowd and around the country, similar to that given almost every day on their nationwide tour of VA Medical Centers and State Veterans Homes sponsored by the Bowlers to Veterans Link.

“Those young singers are just fantastic,” exclaimed Linda Johnson, California BVL Co-Chair. “I’ve seen them perform many times and I know what a dramatic impact they have on our hospitalized veterans. To see a room full of people go from somber and quiet, to happy and fun-filled -- standing and clapping and singing just as they did here today – that is great therapy!”

The troupe entertained the convention goers as part of the annual BVL presentation, led by BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker. Baker also announced the state and local USBC association winners for the 2008-2009 BVL campaign year.

“BVL’s ability to help our nation’s service men and women, including funding the “Re-Creation” tour, is entirely dependent on the efforts of our wonderful volunteers,” explained BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker. “We wish we could give out awards for every single dollar each association raises – their hard work means brighter days for our veterans.”

Pictured L to R: Jim Sturm, BVL Board member; Tom Buntzen and Diane Marget, Minneapolis; Bob Peters, SW Florida; Mary Jacobs, Re-Creation; Fran Buettner, SW Florida; Sue Crandell and Al Watlett, Hampton BVL Committee; Randy Robbins, Re-Creation; Barb Smith, Joliet Area; Bryce Auker, Re-Creation; Libby Hall, Joliet Area; BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker; Tom and Andrea Dale, Nation’s Capital Area; Andrew Reich, Re-Creation; Harry Stewart, Bob Marget, Jay Joyner, Minneapolis.

Pictured L to R: Jim Sturm, BVL Board member; Sallie Feaganes and Judy Edwards, Virginia State; Carrie Mellinger, Re-Creation; Josh Keihl and Steve Byers, Oregon State; Marlene Coffman, Illinois State; Katelyn Stillman, Re-Creation; Marlene Fults, Illinois State; Cassie Bramhall, Re-Creation; Linda Johnson, California State; Jennifer Lutz, Re-Creation; Mary Ann Compton, Georgia State; Darlene Baker, BVL Board Chair.

BVL Recognized as one of "America's Best" Charities

The Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), a national charity which has raised more than $37 million for recreational and therapeutic programs and services for active duty and veteran service men and women, has recently been awarded the "America's Best" charity distinction.

The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal.

"We have always prided ourselves on our efficient and effective stewardship," commented BVL Board of Directors Chair Darlene Baker. "However, with this distinction -- along with our acceptance into the Combined Federal Campaign last year - we can illustrate that stewardship to our contributors."

BVL programs are in place throughout the nation's VA Medical Centers, Vet Centers and State Homes. BVL picks up where government funding leaves off, providing the 'extras' that brighten spirits and boost morale.

Music, the arts, recreation and sports are incorporated into the rehabilitation process through BVL grants - speeding recovery and sending a message of care and remembrance to our country's heroes. BVL national activities include tours of the entertainment troupe "Re-Creation," the annual BVL Veterans Bowling Tournament, and support for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Golden Age Games, Winter Sports Clinic and Creative Arts Festival.

Representatives Assist BVL in VA Hospital Grant Presentations

Throughout the 2009-2010 bowling season, dozens of state and local BVL representatives fanned out across the U.S., assisting BVL in making personal presentations of recreation grants, and seeing for themselves the tremendous impact BVL makes for our nation’s veterans.

USBC leaders from Massachusetts to Colorado took time to visit their area VA facilities to personally meet veterans and present the BVL grants for recreational and therapeutic programs and services.

“We are so thankful to the wonderful volunteers we have supporting our cause,” remarked BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker. “As we conclude another successful fund-raising season, we’re happy to reflect on what made BVL a success – and, clearly, that is our base of fantastic volunteers!”

Minneapolis USBC Brightens Days for Veterans Throughout Minnesota

The largest local association contribution to BVL during the 2008-2009 league season came from the Minneapolis USBC, with a total of $ 13,851.78! The members of the Minneapolis USBC were busy collecting donations for the cause, and also ensuring that the money got out to the VA facilities which anxiously await the BVL grants each year.

Thanks to the Minneapolis USBC, veterans receiving care at VA facilities will have brighter days and morale-boosting special events throughout the year – from bowling to bingo to movie nights – veterans will know that the bowlers of America are keeping the BVL promise made in 1942: We will not forget your service to our country.

Below is: Minneapolis USBC Association Manager Harry Stewart presenting a check to Duane Mabon of the Luverne Veterans Home.

Luverne Veterans Home check presentation

$2,100.00 Donated to Ft. Snelling 2010

Representatives Make BVL Donations at All Oregon VA Facilities

During the 2008-2009 league season, Oregon State USBC was the fifth largest contributor by state to the BVL. USBC leadership that helped coordinate the fund raising effort also had the opportunity to present grants to VA facilities throughout the state. Oregon State USBC members recently travelled to make BVL grants to the following facilities:

Dalles Veterans Retirement Home check presentation

Pictured is Oregon State USBC President Steve Byers and District 5 Director Lucy Johnson presenting a check to the Veterans Retirement Home in Dalles.

Pictured above is Oregon State USBC 1st Vice President Chris Maitrejean of Grants Pass making the check presentation to the Roseburg VA Hospital.

A BIG day with a BIG check from BVL to the Wyoming VA Medical Center

Veterans of all ages at the Cheyenne VA Hospital will be hitting the lanes thanks to a generous donation by members of the Ft. Collins USBC. The BVL dollars will fund the practices of the patients as they work on their skills to progress to the Veterans National Golden Age Games and the Veterans National Wheelchair Games. Additionally, the monies will be used to sponsor family bowling fun nights for young veterans and their families who have recently returned from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“We sure appreciate this great contribution from BVL,” noted Recreation Therapist Kristi Ruben. “This will be put to great use as we serve our nation’s veterans – Thanks to BVL!” Ruben points out that the donation is large enough to fund a ceramics and woodworking project for those veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. These programs provide a much needed outlet for veterans who benefit by the process of working with their hands and collaborating in a group setting.

Pictured at the check presentation: Left to right (front) Cheyenne VAMC Life Center patients Mary Stockham and Richard Morrissetto. Standing is (l to r) Bill Martin and his wife, Ft. Collins Association Manager Roberta Martin. Ft. Collins BVL Chair Sandra Eckert (middle) presented the BVL check to Liz Lowery, Associate Director of the Medical Center.

Hawkeye State Women Continue their BVL Support

Iowa State USBC Director and BVL Tournament Chair Connie Rommel and Charla Green, Iowa Sate USBC WBA Association Manager hit the road for BVL this year, personally visiting the three facilities their association helped support; the Iowa City VA Medical Center, the Des Moines VA Medical Center and the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Says Connie, “Each facility was so appreciative of the BVL funds, they told us how much the annual BVL grants mean to them. And, Charla and I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet with the hospital officials.”

Each facility talked with Connie and Charla about what they would be purchasing with the grants, but also noted that money from BVL national comes directly to them to support the four national veterans special events, the Creative Arts Festival, the Golden Age Games, the Wheelchair Games and the Winter Sports Clinic.

In Connie’s report to their membership, she concluded with this statement, “Our veterans need our support more than ever before. If you didn’t enter our BVL Tournament, please consider doing so and encourage other bowlers in your area to participate. If you did enter, our heartfelt thanks for helping us support the BVL.”

(L to R) John Strank-Volunteer Services, Iowa City
VA Medical Center, Connie and Charla

Connie, Angie Sage-Volunteer Services Des Moines
VA Medical Center, and Charla

Iowa Veterans Home Marshalltown check presentation

Charla, Ray Mathes-Commandant Iowa
Veterans Home-Marshalltown and Connie

Associations and states involved in the BVL effort are encouraged to postmark their contributions for the 2009-2010 fundraising season no later than May 31 in order for the donation to be included in the season fund-raising totals.

Associations wishing to post photos and stories to the BVL website of their BVL campaigns may do so by emailing photos and captions to info@bowlforveterans.org.

Big Bear Glow Machine Supports BVL