Bowlers raise $10,000 for West Seattle kids | Community Spirit

Even the gutter balls drew applause Saturday,  as supporters of the Southwest Boys and Girls Club dusted off their bowling skills to raise money for the club’s popular after-school and summer programs.   The event at West Seattle Bowl drew nearly 100 kids and adults.

“I was surprised to see the turnout! More people came than expected,” said Branch Executive Director Emily Slagle, about the organizations first-ever bowl-a-thon.

The new fundraising event comes in response to the growing demand for youth and teen programs offered by the non-profit organization.   The Southwest club serves more than 1,200 kids a year in the West Seattle and White Center communities.  The programs offer a safe place for youth and teens,  with education and homework support, computer labs, music and teen center,  games and  sports activities.   The club says it’s  dinner program provides free meals to as many as 100  or more kids every week night.   Southwest Boys and Girls Club is one of 14 clubs under the umbrella of Boy and Girls Clubs of King County.

The success of this year’s bowl-a-thon has staff and board members energized for even more teams and sponsors next year.  With the help of lane sponsorships from local businesses, raffle ticket sales, and  donations from bowlers, friends and family members,  the three hour event raised more than $10, 200.

Trophies were awarded to the high scoring team and individual players, and each bowler received a gift certificate from Schwartz Brothers Restaurants.

“It doesn’t matter about the score,” commented supporter Nelson Berry, a Seattle attorney.  “The point is we had a lot of fun and it was for a good cause.”

“It’s just great,” said Slagle.  “People give more when it’s fun!”