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Colorado Supports BVL
Fort Collins USBC Donates $3507.25 to BVL
Fort Collins representatives Sandra Eckert and Maryanne Dickney were on hand at the USBC Convention in Reno to make their association’s contribution to BVL.
Sandra and Maryanne also represented the National BVL at the Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Co., in March. This event is the world leader in promoting rehabilitation by instructing veterans with disabilities in adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, and introducing them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. For many newly injured veterans, including many injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Clinic offers their first experience in winter sports and gives them the inspiration to take their rehabilitation to a higher level.
Participants include veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, neurological challenges and visual impairments. “It was a wonderful experience,” relayed Sandy. “To witness first hand how these brave young men and women worked to overcome their physical limitations to once again enjoy participating in a sport. It truly was gratifying to see the joy this activity brought to so many who deserve our thanks.”
Pictured are Sandy and Maryanne presenting the Fort Collins contribution to BVL Administrator Elizabeth Montanya (center).
Travis Chestnut, Donna Laughlin, Shawnee Embrey
Fort Collins (Colo.) WBA
During the 2002-2003 league season, this highly motivated group stepped up to the line for BVL and wound up ringing up the highest percentage increase in contributions of any association around the country – more than 150%.
Travis, President of the FCWBA, Donna, Secretary, and Shawnee, BVL Chair, really put it all together and made it happen. Donna is quick to recognize her entire association as well as the area men’s association, “BVL is a cause equally supported by the men and women bowlers of Fort Collins. While the women organize the fundraising (50-50 ticket sales, 1% charitable refund from Toddy’s grocery receipts, memorial contributions, league contributions from 5th frame kitty’s, etc.) the men are always willing to purchase whatever is offered – especially 50-50 tickets and baked goods -- at all local tournaments and state tournament events when hosted at local centers.”
As with so many associations, the Fort Collins group has felt the impact of our service men and women on a personal level. So many have had, currently have, or personally know someone who has served in our military or is currently on active duty.
In fact, the Association had one of its 2002-2003 members Samantha Halter, a reservist; receive her orders for active duty. Sam is currently serving in the 244th Engineering Company in Tikrit, Iraq.
With their remarkable efforts, the Fort Collins women are making sure that Sam and all of her fellow service men and women will always be recognized. Thanks to all that made it happen.
Honoring Those Veterans Amongst Us
In Fort Collins, ColoradoAs the director of the Fort Collins women’s association and BVL chairwomen this year, Sandra Eckert came up with a unique, yet simple, concept to raise awareness about the BVL AND send a beautiful tribute to those area bowlers who have served our country.
Right before Veterans Day last year, Sandy asked for photographs from the men and women from the leagues that are or were in the military. Then, she worked with the bowling center to create a montage of these photos, which were mounted in the concourse display cabinet. The photos were posted at their area bowling center a week before and after Veterans Day.
(click on thumbnail photos for larger image)Sandy explains that she had a wonderful response from all the bowlers, but especially from the seniors. “It was fantastic to see everyone gathered around these posters on a daily basis and commenting on how "young" everyone looked. There was a lot of sharing of stories and comparing of time spent during times of peace and war,” Sandy says.
To make the display even more special, Sandy put together a poster with memorials, tributes and poetry dedicated to our service men and women.
Sandy has already been asked if the project could be an annual event. Count on Sandy to say “yes!”
This is a wonderful, easy-to-do option for BVL volunteers in every bowling center. Consider this in your own town, and thank you Sandy, for the work that you do for our veterans!
Sandra Eckert and Maryanne Dinkey
Fort Collins, CO USBCNot only does Fort Collins USBC coordinate one of the most successful and effective local association campaigns for BVL, they consistently show their dedication to the cause in a number of different ways. BVL is proud to have already designated a number of other ‘Volunteers of the Month’ from this association, and again, this month, we have two more!
(L to R) Receiving the Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic Sponsors award from Honorable Gordon Mansfield, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Robert Reynolds, National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans are Maryanne Dinkey and Sandra Eckert of the Ft. Collins USBC.
That’s because two representatives from the association were not hesitant to accept the task of representing BVL at the 22nd Annual Disabled Veteran Winter Sports Clinic, in Snowmass, Co. Without wavering, Sandra Eckert, a director for the Fort Collins USBC board and chairwoman for the BVL Committee and Maryanne Dinkey, Vice-President of the FCUSBC board agreed to take off from family and work responsibilities and make the five hour trek over the mountains to attend the Sponsors Recognition and Awards Dinner on BVL’s behalf. (Thanks to the FCUSBC for picking up their travel costs!!)
BVL is an annual sponsor of this important event, and we were fortunate to have Sandy and Maryanne make their sacrifices to represent us! Thanks so much!
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