Lions hosting Strike Against Hunger Bowl-A-Thon May 20
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ALPENA -- The Alpena Lions Club will host a bowling fundraiser on Saturday, May 20 to support local food pantries and programs that feed those in need.
The Strike Against Hunger Bowl-A-Thon will be held at Thunder Bowl Lanes in Alpena. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and bowling starts at 6 p.m.
Twenty-two teams have signed up, and each team is competing to raise the most funds to help feed those in need in our community.
Area food programs that will receive funds from the bowling fundraiser include: The Friendship Room, The Boys and Girls Club of Alpena, The Alpena Senior Citizens Center, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Trinity Episcopal's Sunday Supper, and Grace Lutheran's Little Food Pantry.
"We've raised close to $6,000 so far," said Lion Gary Stevens, chairman for the bowling fundraiser. "Our initial goal was $10,000. I really believe we're going to achieve that now. And, of course, 100 percent of that money will go back into the community."
Lions President Jon Emerson talked about planning the bowling event.
"Gary took the ball and ran with it," Emerson said. "I volunteer out at St. Vincent's, and I see how many people are there on a weekly basis, and how much food we dispense there. There's quite a need here in this community."
Emerson said the generosity of the local people has been outstanding.
"Alpena does a great job when it comes to helping other people," Emerson added. "Alpena is very generous."
"What takes us to where we are today, we've had a lot of support in the community," Stevens said, "with both event sponsors and lane sponsors."
Event sponsors, giving $300 each, include Allegra Alpena, Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, Alpena Buick GMC, Bannan Funeral Home, Besser Company, First Congregational Church, Jimmie Garant's Party Store, Northland Area Federal Credit Union, and Wolverine State Credit Union.
Lane sponsors, giving $100 each, include Alpena Agency, Alpena Power Co., Bannan Funeral Home, Bernie and Nancy Lamp, Cedar and Threads, Cliff Anschuetz Chevrolet, Eagle Supply, HPC Credit Union, Huron Distributors, Mike and Carol Keller, Omega Electric and Sign Co., Steve Garant, Tom Woizeschke, and the United Way of Northeast Michigan.
Stevens explained that anyone who wants to support the fundraiser is welcome to come to the event and cheer on their favorite teams, or they can donate by contacting a Lion or member from a participating team.
"Each team tries to raise funds, and that goes into part of the scoring to determine the winning team," said Lion Joe Bonfoey. "So, the more money you raise, the better your team does. We're trying to encourage donations to the teams."
The Alpena Lions Club is in its 97th year. For more information, visit alpenalionsclub.com or Alpena Lions Club on Facebook.