By Joanne Maynard
Lifetimes staff writer
The first ever local "Bowl over Autism" recently was held at the AMF Twin Star Lanes in Kent, under the direction of Giny Harvey, event coordinator, and committee members Ginny Lopick and Susan Weeks.
"The anxiety probably pressed everyone to greater lengths as the team effort and generous support of the many contributors and volunteers were instrumental in achieving a profit of more than $10,000!" said Harvey, in her first attempt at fund-raising.
More than 165 registered bowlers took part in the event that benefits Autism Speaks, a national organization dedicated to finding a cure. Autism Spectrum Disorder is the fastest growing developmental disability affecting children today. Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with ASD.
Among those who either sponsored lanes or provided gift certificates for the silent auction that added a profit of $2,400 are Mangiamo and Bistro restaurants, The Pufferbelly LTD Restaurant, Ray's Place, The Water Street Tavern, Venice Café, Stoddards Frozen Custard, Franklin Square Deli, Guy's Pizza, Handels Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt, Evelyn Dickerson Hair Design, Skullz Salon, Cuttin' Loose, Kent State University Women's Basketball program, and Matt Pruszynski of Brimfield with a basket filled with six different wine choices.
The master of ceremonies was Michel Heroux of Streetsboro, who kept the crowd entertained and nnounced the winners of the 15 door prizes throughout the event.
Ten children received Autism Awareness bowling pins to be autographed by friends and family as a keepsake of the event. The winners were Paige Thompson, Christopher Franko, Emma Adams, Melina Ferner, Jarrod Gauntner, Grant Garro, Amanda Adams, Aaron Cooper, Ted Carlson and Mya Syphrit.
Mya Syphrit, 4, top girl fund-raiser with $500 in donations, was awarded a Barbie bowling ball.
Ian Jessop, 12, was top boy fund-raiser with more than $700 in donations, and his reward was a Simpsons bowling ball.
Both gifts, in addition to bowling passes, were donated by Marge Lockhart, manager of AMF Twin Star Lanes.
Sorboro's Italian Kitchen donated 20 pizzas, and other "perfect game" sponsors were Kohl's, Klaben Ford and Revol.
All proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks.
(photos)
Timothy St. Hilaire/Record-Courier
Taking part in the afternoon bowling event are, from left, Chris Sanor with his son, Richard; Lauren Fuller, Davey Elementary School faculty member; and Roderick Moxley Jr. with his son, Roderick Moxley III. Both boys have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The first local fund-raiser to benefit Autism Speaks, a national organization dedicated to finding a cure for Autism Spectrum Disorder, was held at AMF Twin Star Lanes in Kent. Sharing the happy time are, from left, Heather Syphrit; Giny Harvey, chairman and faculty member at Davey Elementary School; Gabe Rossi, 6; Marge Lockhart, AMF Twin Star manager; Tyler Rossi, 10; and Susan Weeks and Ginny Lopick, both educational aides with the Kent City Schools.