BVL Sponsors National Veterans Events
Bringing Joy to Recuperating Service Men and Women

Playing the guitar, hitting the ball over the net, practicing your dance moves, picking up that spare. For many Americans, these are typical outlets for fun and recreation. But for some very special Americans, activities like sports and the arts mean so much more. These special Americans are our hospitalized veterans. And for far too many, these simple pleasures are elusive, as they struggle to overcome the health and medical issues that often put these actions out of reach. But, thanks in part to the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) these activities, and so much more, are once again part of their lives.

Each year for the past several decades, the BVL has been a sponsor of four very important events that affect thousands of veterans and help them once again enjoy the fun and fitness of sport or the uplifting boost of the arts. The Creative Arts Festival, the Veterans Golden Age Games, the Wheelchair Games and the Winter Sports Clinic provide literally thousands of veterans the opportunity of a lifetime. 

"Thanks to BVL, one of our long-time sponsors of VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events, veterans have a chance to experience the thrill of competition," said Diane Hartmann, Director of VA's Office of National Programs and Special Events. "BVL's dedication to veterans is unwavering. We know we can count on America's bowlers to continue their commitment to those who have served our country."

Each event brings hundreds of veterans, who have worked all year on their skills, to a national venue to test their talents among fellow veterans. We have asked our BVL representatives attending these events during 2007 to comment on their perspective of the event.

With BVL's generosity, these events will continue to touch the lives of veterans across the country. If your association or center would like to insure that BVL continues to support these important programs, please donate today.

     

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.

back to top

     

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.

back to top

     

BVL Home | About BVL | How Can I Help? What's New | Veterans Programs | Contact Us