Saluting Heroes and Fueling Hope

Supporting veterans does not require a grand stage or deep pockets. Across the country, members of the bowling community are proving that small, consistent acts of generosity can become remarkable. From youth bowlers with big hearts to centers in small towns making a big splash, Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) has become a powerful outlet for support. 

BVL's work is far-reaching: over $57 million has been raised since 1942 for programs in recreational therapy, music, sports, arts, adaptive equipment, virtual reality, and, of course, bowling. And now, getting involved is easier than ever. If hosting an event feels out of reach, BVL's new Strikes for Valor program offers a simple, ongoing way to help. 

But first, let's meet some of the everyday heroes who are already making a difference. 

The Teen Who Bowls for a Cause 

At just 13, Alexander Eby of Van Wert, OH, is already a passionate fundraiser for BVL. Inspired by BVL USBC consultant Libbi Fletcher, Eby has made it his mission to raise money every December. For one week in the past three Decembers, he has talked with every league at his home centers, first near Kalamazoo, MI, and more recently at Pla-Mor Lanes in Coldwater, OH, near his home in Van Wert. "I go lane to lane talking to people at their tables," said Eby, who raised $1,400 with his effort. 

Eby annually competes in a Veterans' Day tournament where he asks people to pledge a certain amount for each pin he knocks down in four games, or donors can pledge flat amounts. In 2023, he set a goal of $3,000 and hit it before the tournament began. "We thought BVL was a great match to teach him how to give back through his talents," said his father, Josh. "It's blossomed from there." 

Significant Returns from a Small Town 

In Lodi, OH, a village of fewer than 3,000 people, Strike & Spare Lanes raised more than $11,000 in 2024 for BVL. Owner Barbi Kirschner started small in 2017 with a $300 ball raffle and now runs themed leagues and tournaments. "We've done Victory for Vets Leagues. We do two eight-week sessions and two tournaments, one around Veterans' Day and one in May near Armed Forces Day or Memorial Day. 

"I'm game for anything when it comes to raising money for BVL," said Kirschner, whose father opened the center 48 years ago. "I come up with a hair-brained idea, and my customers come up with the money," said Kirschner. "My customers make it work. The fact we raise the kind of money we do for such a small community is a big deal," she said. 

Dallas-Area Leagues Keep the Tradition Going 

The North Texas USBC Association runs a Veterans Day in-league fundraiser open to all 150 leagues across 26 centers. Any league that wants to participate can do so for a minimum of $1 per bowler. With 26 centers and 150 leagues involved, over $60,000 was raised in its inaugural year in 2022-2023. It continued with $42,000 in the second year. And $34,000 has been donated so far this year and is growing. Executive director Terry Taylor credits its success to simplicity and support from Storm, which donates bowling balls for raffles. 

San Antonio Youth Tour with Heart 

"There's a lot of great people doing many great things for BVL," said BVL executive director Jessica Abel. One of them is Jodi Mann, founder of the San Antonio Youth Bowlers Tour. Inspired by Mike Bonzek's long-running Georgia Youth Bowlers Tour, Mann launched the tour to help young bowlers like her son find more opportunities to qualify for the U12 division of the USBC Junior Gold Championships. 

In its first two seasons, the tour hosted nine monthly events yearly, growing from an anticipated 20 bowlers to as many as 93. With strong military ties and support from all four branches, San Antonio has long backed BVL through adult programs like Pass the Bucket fundraisers, raising $5,000–$7,000 annually. 

Now entering its third season, the tour is partnering with BVL to offer monthly scholarship entries to eight children of active-duty and retired military personnel. It marks the first time BVL has provided recurring scholarships to a youth tour. "This came together quickly," said Mann. "It helps grow sport bowling and supports our military families, many of whom already bowl with us." 

Two special events are also in the works: an October tournament supporting Strike Out Breast Cancer, featuring PBA stars and BVL ambassadors Packy Hanrahan and Chris Via, and a November 9-pin no-tap BVL fundraiser alongside a regular Youth Bowlers Tour stop. Both are expected to raise $1,000. Additionally, $1 from every tournament registration this season will go directly to BVL, generating another $900 to $1,000. "I love that every dollar we raise for BVL stays here in the San Antonio military community. We can directly support the veterans around us." 

"I think it's important that the kids know what BVL is and why it matters," Mann said. "Older bowlers are familiar with it, but younger players may not realize how BVL supports the military through something they already love - bowling. 

One House, Two Lanes, and Over $100K 

Bill Moore of Clifton, VA, transformed his passion for bowling into a remarkable charitable effort from his own home. In the basement of his 20,000-square-foot residence, Moore built two full-sized Brunswick lanes as a tribute to his 91-year-old father, Bud Moore, a USBC hall of famer from Niagara Falls, NY. 

 Though Moore had not bowled in nearly four decades and had no connections in the industry, that changed quickly; shortly after completing his in-home lanes, Brunswick reached out with an idea to host a grand opening party. They even sent legendary BVL ambassador and PBA hall of famer Johnny Petraglia to attend. The result? A fun-filled celebration that raised $10,000 for BVL. 

Since then, Moore has turned his private lanes into an annual fundraising powerhouse. His home events now attract PBA stars, close friends, and business clients—all united for a good cause. His November 2023 party raised $48,000, bringing his five-year total to over $100,000. "We always have a blast," Moore said. "And it's all for a great cause." 

A Supplier Steps Up 

Ken and Cathy Keegan, longtime owners of K&K Bowling Services and Logo Infusion, wanted to give back to the sport they have supported for decades but were unsure where to start. Like many, they found the inner workings of bowling's charitable landscape a bit complex. That changed when they connected with Chuck Gardner and his Bowl for Life Foundation. Through K&K, they began by donating monthly. 

Their involvement deepened after meeting former BVL executive director Mary Harrar and current director Jessica Abel at last year's Bowl Expo convention. That conversation sparked an idea to design and sell BVL-branded apparel, with a portion of proceeds donated directly to BVL. The initiative began with clothing and may soon expand to items like drinkware. 

Since then, the Keegans have also taken on a special project - creating custom shirts for veterans honored during PBA telecasts. Beyond that, Ken is partnering with USBC and the High Roller Military Championships on several new ventures to boost support for BVL. 

Greyhounds on a Mission 

After reviving a quirky fundraising program last season that brought in over $41,000 for BVL, the Bowling Proprietors Association of the Carolinas and Georgia topped that in 2024–25, raising more than $54,000, according to executive director Renee Dennis. 

The program centers around six hand-made wooden greyhound dogs mounted on sticks, each with a playful, military-themed name like Chief, G.I. Barbie, and Uncle Sam the Dog. The dogs are dressed in costumes, given backstories, and prominently displayed in participating centers. 

"It's an ongoing fundraiser with multiple facets," Dennis said. The campaign's creativity and success inspired other centers to join. Dan Simril of Foxfire Lanes in Kannapolis, NC, and one of his bowlers even crafted 50 "puppy" versions, which sold for $100 each. 

Besides individual centers promoting the dogs, a special race was held at the association's annual convention in February. Included were dignitaries being "arrested" and thrown in jail with bail set at $1,000 each. All 10 people came up with the money for the cause. 

 Support Made Simple – Strikes for Valor 

Not everyone has the time to plan a fundraiser or the means to make a large donation—and that is perfectly okay. That is precisely why BVL created Strikes for Valor: Perfect Game, Perfect Vision—a program built for the everyday donor. With a small, recurring monthly gift, supporters can make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans — no event planning is required. 

"We had another record-breaking year last year, and the bowling community is doing great things for us," said Abel. "But as more people lean into subscription-based giving, it makes sense to encourage monthly donations. We already have a handful of recurring donors, but we would love to see that number grow."