THE BOWLING FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANTS FOR MOBILE BOWLING EQUIPMENT

Over Six Schools To Benefit From Bowler’s Education In-School Bowling Program

ARLINGTON, Texas, March 8, 2011 – The Bowling Foundation announced it has awarded grants to more than six schools as part of its continuing effort to help enhance peoples’ lives through bowling.  The Mobile Bowling Equipment program annually helps schools, parks and recreation departments, disabled and disadvantaged service groups and other organizations and youth groups purchase equipment to teach and enjoy bowling.

Schools receiving grants in 2011 are

• Tri County Intermediate / Primary Schools, Wolcott, Indiana
• Washington Junior High, Washington, Iowa
• St. Clair Junior High School, St. Clair, Missouri
• Allen Elementary,  Siloam Springs, Arkansas
• Youth Ministry Entertainment Inc., Richmond, Virginia.
• Tremont Middle School/Senior High School, Tremont, Illinois

The grants, awarded in the form of bowling kits, are valued at $1200.  Each kit includes six carpet bowling lanes, rubberized bowling balls and pins plus instructional DVDs to assist coaches and teachers in introducing and instructing the game of bowling.

“Each year we receive applications from all over the country,” said Bowling Foundation Chair, Cathy DeSocio.  “In a struggling economy, school and non-profit budgets are usually the first to get cut.  We hope these grants can provide some meaningful support to these schools.”

DeSocio pointed out that each application is reviewed and awards are based on a number of criteria.  “Making the final selections is tough,” she added, “because there are so many who could use the grants, however, the final determination is made based on a number of factors including which applicants best represent the mission of The Bowling Foundation to enhance the lives of others in need through the sport of bowling.”

Public or private educational institutions, grades K-8; or 501(c) 3 non-profit organizations serving youth in grades K-8 are eligible to receive the annual grants.  An organization is eligible to receive funding once every three years.  Individuals are not eligible to apply or receive awards.

DeSocio says The Bowling Foundation is proud of the program and looks forward to awarding the grants each year.  “Our hope is to raise more funds and awareness as the charitable arm of bowling to provide more grants in the future.”

For more information on the program or how schools and organizations can partner with The Bowling Foundation to organize bowling FUNdraiser events for students to raise money for the school, project and The Bowling Foundation charities, contact The Bowling Foundation or go to www.BowlingFoundation.org for more information.

ABOUT THE BOWLING FOUNDATION

The mission of The Bowling Foundation is to enhance the lives of others through the sport of bowling, particularly reaching out toward youth, those less fortunate, underprivileged or in need, giving them increased chance for success, health, fitness and the joy of sport; while fostering bowling across all sectors of society.

As the charitable arm of bowling, The Bowling Foundation is fully supported by the leading entities for the sport including the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, United States Bowling Congress, The Bowling Proprietors’ Association International, Professional Bowlers Association, Strike Ten Entertainment, International Bowling Pro Shop Instructors Association, Bowling Writers Association of America and the Bowling News Network as well as manufacturers, and local bowling entities.

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