Military Bowling Championships to Support BVL

The 53rd Annual Military Bowling Championships -- set for January 17 - 21, 2010 -- is a tournament rich in history and tradition; bringing military bowlers from worldwide assignments to participate in competition in three divisions - active duty, retired and senior retired. Primarily a team event with teams comprised of six players, the championships provide bowlers not only great competition, but also the opportunity to bond with fellow service members. It will be held at the Gold Coast Hotel, Casino and Bowling Center in Las Vegas.

Even with all the history and tradition, there is always room for something new. That’s why High Roller, the operator of the tournament, is introducing a new event this year open to all veterans, regardless of their years in uniform, who served this great country honorably in any branch of the Armed Forces. The first annual tournament is January 25 - 28, 2010 will follow the 53rd Annual Tournament, but at the Orleans Hotel, Casino & Bowling Center in Las Vegas.

Yet, there is another new element to the events – that is a commitment to support the BVL. This year, BVL will receive $1 for each entry in the tournament and High Roller will match that total with a contribution to BVL.

“We believe that this is the perfect fit for the Military Bowling Championships,” explained High Roller’s Brad Edelman. “BVL is a charity that is near and dear to the hearts of our bowlers – they know that it’s going to help brighten the days of their comrades when they need it the most. We’re pleased to be able to ‘pay it forward’ for our bowlers.”

The contribution to BVL will support recreational programs and services for veterans recuperating in one of the nation’s VA Medical Centers, Vet Centers and State Veterans Homes.

“We are delighted that the Military Bowling Championships will be supporting our cause,” commented BVL Board of Directors Chairperson Darlene Baker. “As Brad said, it’s really the ideal situation– these bowlers know the fun and camaraderie of sport and they know the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform – they understand what BVL is all about.”

Edelman concludes, “When you come here and see the camaraderie and high-fives and the kidding around and the sometimes tearful reunions, it just makes you proud to be around these great men and women. I’m prouder to know that we’re doing something good for their future and all those that have served our county.”

 

     

BVL Joins in Veterans Day Honors

On a bleak November morning, thousands of Americans gathered on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery to take part in our nation’s salute to those who have served our country. The November 11 activities included a mixture of pomp and circumstance, patriotic reminiscences and somber reflection; all appreciated by the capacity crowd which filled the Amphitheater atop the grounds. Read more >

Like the other members of the Veterans Day National Committee, which organizes the annual ceremonies, the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) representatives took great pride in the event which featured speeches by President Obama, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Shinseki, and the collaborative effort of the more than 40 member organizations on the Committee.

(Click on photo for larger view)
Pictured (L to R) Thunderbird Lanes Executive Administrator Mary Harrar; Johnny Harris, Greater Lynchburg USBC; Gailmarie Wehmeyer, Thunderbird Lanes; BVL Board Member Walter Hall; Board Chair Darlene Baker, Dave Zeitz, Thunderbird Lanes COO; BVL Board Member Emeritus Elaine Hagin; Steve Faunce, Thunderbird Lanes; Virginia State USBC President Judy Edwards; Paul Rumbaugh, Greater Fredericksburg USBC; BVL Board Member Gary Anderson; Tom Dale, Nation’s Capital Area USBC; Robbie Thomas, Alleghany - Bath USBC; and BVL Board Member Tony Manna.
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BVL representatives participated in a myriad of activities throughout the day, which began with a breakfast at the White House hosted by President and Mrs. Obama and Vice President and Mrs. Biden. BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker and Board Member Walter Hall attended breakfast amidst the company of leaders of other Veterans Service Organizations and special guests.

Later that morning, the formal ceremonies in the Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery opened with the Honorary Presidential Color Guard processing before the President and other dignitaries. Virginia United States Bowling Congress members Johnny Harris, carrying the BVL flag, and Robbie Thomas, marching with the U.S. flag, represented BVL.

“Being part of the Veterans Day ceremonies on behalf of BVL was probably one of the top five experiences in my life,” says Harris, a past president of the Virginia State Bowling Association and currently an association manager in Lynchburg, Va. “It was an honor and a privilege, and a day I will never forget.”

A BVL tradition continued that morning as BVL Board members took part in a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. However, that tradition expanded this year, as representatives of America’s bowling centers also participated for the first time. Joining BVL Board members Gary Anderson and Tony Manna and Member Emeritus Elaine Hagin were Dave Zeitz, Chief Operating Officer, and Mary Harrar, Executive Administrator of Thunderbird Lanes in the Philadelphia area.

BVL Board members concluded the day with a presentation to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. Shinseki accepted a facsimile check of more than $825,000, representing the amount of money raised by BVL for America’s veterans during the 2008-2009 league season. “You folks are tremendous,” remarked Shinseki. “This illustrates a real commitment to our veterans – our thanks to the BVL for all you do.”

     

Combined Federal Campaign
Adds Bowlers to Veterans Link

The largest and most successful annual workplace charity effort, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) coordinated by the United States federal government, has accepted the Bowlers to Veterans Link (CFC #93325) as one of its newest charities in its umbrella for the 2009 giving season. Currently, more than 300 CFC campaigns are now underway throughout the country and are expected to raise millions of dollars for the various causes.

To be considered eligible, charities applying to the campaign undergo an annual rigorous screening process. Acceptance into the CFC means charities have demonstrated they meet standards of public accountability and cost effectiveness.

“BVL’s acceptance into the Combined Federal Campaign is yet another feather in our cap,” stated BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker. “While we know we are doing extraordinary things in an extremely cost-efficient manner for our active duty and veteran service men and women, the CFC designation gives us the official ‘stamp of approval’ from the government. We’re proud of this latest recognition.”

The CFC promotes and sustains philanthropy through a campaign providing all federal workers the opportunity to improve the quality of life by supporting eligible non-profit organizations that enhance health and human services. Federal workers are encouraged to support BVL by choosing CFC #93325.

Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), is a national charity founded in 1942 by the sport of bowling to support veterans and active duty military. BVL programs boost morale through recreational therapy utilizing sports, music, and the arts. Since its inception, BVL has contributed more than $35 million to programs and services supporting the mission. The BVL is located in Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and is guided by representatives of the United States Bowling Congress and the Bowling Proprietors Association of America.

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