BVL Welcomed as Associate Member of Veterans Day Organizing Committee:
Adds to list of recent appointments for bowling’s most successful charity

BVL Chair Darlene Baker and Board member Gary Anderson, representing the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), were welcomed as the newest Associate Member of the prestigious Veterans Day Organizing Committee by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Veterans Day, capping off a series of three new appointments for the sport of bowling’s oldest and most successful charity.

“We’re delighted to have BVL join our group,” remarked Diane Hartmann, VA’s Director of National Rehabilitative Special Events. “For years, we have counted on and appreciated their support for our four national veterans’ events. BVL’s participation in the Veterans Day Organizing Committee is recognition of the great work being done by America’s bowling community throughout the country for our veterans.”

Earlier this year, BVL was appointed to the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee (VAVS NAC) as a Donor Member. The VAVS NAC is a federally-chartered Advisory Committee, created to advise the VA Secretary through the Under Secretary for Health and other members of the VA Central Office regarding volunteer activities within the VA health care systems.

BVL was also just recently accepted into the 'America Supports You' network. Coordinated through the Pentagon, 'America Supports You' is a group of more than 300 homefront organizations, 34 corporations, and dozens of celebrities that have committed to spreading a message of support to our military men and women.

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Darlene Baker Elected to Chair
the BVL Board of Directors

Darlene Baker, an Illinois native and Vice President of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) who has held a wide range of positions in bowling leadership, has been elected to the Chairmanship of the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) Board of Directors.

The election took place at the annual meeting of the BVL Board in Washington, D.C. timed to coincide with Veterans Day.

“I’m honored to accept this new position and anxious to work with my fellow Board members to move BVL to new heights,” explained Baker. “This is a wonderful organization which deserves the full backing and support of our association leaders, bowling centers and all of us involved in our great sport. BVL is doing wonderful things for our veterans and active duty troops and we need to maintain that commitment made by our founders to support America’s military men and women.”

Baker replaces Elaine Hagin, Castro Valley, Calif., who has served on the BVL Board for almost 20 years. “Although Elaine is retiring from her position, we know that we will continue to count on her input and advice in the months and years ahead,” remarked Baker. “Her understanding of the BVL operations will be invaluable as we move forward.” In recognition of those contributions to BVL, Hagin was formally elected the organization's first Director Emeritus at the meeting.

In addition to Baker, the BVL Board is comprised of a second USBC representative, Gary Anderson, Taylors, S.C., as well as Wally Hall, Pasadena, Md., representing the Bowling Proprietor’s Association of America.

BVL, founded in 1942 by the sport of bowling, has raised more than $35 million to date to help support recreational programs and services for America’s active duty and veteran service men and women. It is the sport’s oldest and most successful charity.

The BVL is headquartered in Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and supports BVL efforts in more than 1,000 communities throughout the U.S.

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