Bowlers and sponsors needed to “Bowl a Strike” against domestic violence

ANSONIA >> The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, a program of BHcare, is looking for bowlers and sponsors to participate in the 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit being held Saturday, March 14, at AMF Lanes in Milford.

All proceeds benefit UCDVS which provides services to over 7,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year throughout the Greater New Haven, Greater Naugatuck Valley and Shoreline communities. UCDVS provides free emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy, support and other crucial services.

The Bowl-2-Benefit, one of the largest fundraising events of its kind in the state, attracts over 1,500 community members. Bowlers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in teams of 4-6, in one of five bowling sessions scheduled for 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Bowlers pay a minimal $5 registration fee and are asked to collect pledges to support their efforts. Each bowler will receive 90 minutes of bowling, an event T-shirt, shoe rental, soft drink, and a chance to win prizes. The event is ideal for clubs, schools, organizations, corporations and families.

The Bowl-2-Benefit offers sponsorship opportunities for all budgets, with levels starting at just $75. Sponsors reap the benefit of exposure to the more than 1,500 participants as well as additional exposure online. T-shirt sponsors receive continued exposure with their logo printed on the event tee that is distributed to all bowlers. T-shirt level sponsorships start at just $500.

Decreases in state and federal funding coupled with increases in demand for services make fundraising events such as the Bowl-2-Benefit critical to sustaining services for those at risk and in need.  Last year, the Bowl-2-Benefit raised over $93,000. Event organizers hope to exceed that amount this year and attract an even larger bowling crowd.

The 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit is being sponsored by the Bassett Family Fund and media partners include WFSB, WPLR 99.1-FM and Star 99.9-FM.  Anyone interested in receiving more information about, or participating in the Bowl-2-Benefit, should call Debbie Soulsby at 203-736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit http://www.bhcare.org/.  Deadline for bowler registration is March 2.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.