USBC, Oncenter host charity event on tournament lanes
April 15, 2011
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Oncenter Convention Center became the spot for fun, food and philanthropy when the USBC and the Oncenter sponsored the Let's Bowl fundraiser in the recently-constructed USBC Women's Championships venue Wednesday night.
A short day of competition at the tournament provided the opportunity for local bowling enthusiasts not registered for this year's event to enjoy the championship experience and help six local charities at the same time.
The charities selected to share the event's proceeds included: Make A Wish, The Crouse Foundation, Vera House, American Heart Association, American Red Cross and Susan G. Komen Foundation, USBC's partner in cancer awareness.
The majority of the $75 ticket price was split among the charities. There were 85 people who attended, and $2,626 was raised.
"We are benefiting from having such a nice relationship with the Syracuse community, so it's nice to be able to give something back - as we like to do with all of our host cities," said Women's Championships Tournament Manager Eric Pierson. "This provides a way to do something for them and also helps strengthen the relationship between USBC and the cities that hold our tournaments."
Locals attended the event to support their favorite cause, while bowling on the shiny new lanes, moving to the live music of Los Blancos and enjoying the assortment of delicious finger foods were appreciated extras. Some participants attended just to see the cutting-edge transformation of the convention center for the 88-day tournament that will run from April 7-July 3.
Gordon Hyatt of Syracuse said, "I just had to come and check this out. I read about it and had to see it in person. And, I think it's really impressive."
Hyatt, who was there to support the Crouse Foundation, wasted no time in getting into the spirit of the sport, too, as he high-fived the rest of his group on successful shots on the lanes. He was joined by Cindy Hyatt, Gerald and Mary Beth Aloi and Steve and Connie Barker.
"This was an excellent opportunity for our community to support each other, while having a unique opportunity to bowl in the newly-built bowling stadium inside the Oncenter," said Terri Toennies, president and CEO of the Oncenter. "It was a once-in-a-life time experience for our guests, and everyone had a fantastic time."
Attendees were loaned house balls and shoes and snacked on a bowling-themed menu. Bowling dominated the names of the bar drinks, too.
Los Blancos, a local band home from a busy touring schedule, roused the dancing spirit in many with lively tunes, such as Boogie Woogie Blues.
Chris Skeval, who works in risk management for Crouse Hospital, was accompanied by his family and some friends and supported the Crouse charity. A strong proponent of bowling for his two children, Tim, 9, and Julia, 12, Skeval praised the summer youth bowling program, Kids Bowl for Free. As a result of consistently enrolling in that program, Tim has developed a bowling average of 90 already, and Julia has a keen eye for the game.
"I like this event," Julia said. "I especially like the professional lanes. They are so nice to bowl on, and I'm having a really good time."
The Oncenter doors were opened to the community again Thursday, as 144 local youth bowlers took to the 48 championships lanes for a special youth tournament.
The bowlers ranged in age from 7-20 years old. The age groups were arranged with the youngest bowlers on Lane 1 and the older bowlers toward Lane 48. They all got to experience the same lane condition that more than 30,000 women will compete on at this year's Women's Championships as more than 250 spectators looked on from the bleachers.
"It's a special opportunity for us to be able to open our doors and lanes to next generation of bowlers," Pierson said. "This tournament, and the Open Championships, are built on a combined 200 years of history and tradition, and the youth bowlers are the ones who will grow up and keep the events going strong. We are proud to be able to offer them a chance to compete on the biggest stage in bowling and hopefully keep them excited about the sport."
Sponsors for the 2011 USBC Women's Championships sponsors include Turning Stone Resort and Casino, official brackets sponsor, Humana, official registration sponsor, Miller Lite and Molson Canadian, official beer sponsors. Supporting sponsors include Storm Bowling Products, Nationwide Insurance, The Oncenter, Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau, Caz Limo & Tours, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and Brunswick, official lane provider.
A short day of competition at the tournament provided the opportunity for local bowling enthusiasts not registered for this year's event to enjoy the championship experience and help six local charities at the same time.
The charities selected to share the event's proceeds included: Make A Wish, The Crouse Foundation, Vera House, American Heart Association, American Red Cross and Susan G. Komen Foundation, USBC's partner in cancer awareness.
The majority of the $75 ticket price was split among the charities. There were 85 people who attended, and $2,626 was raised.
"We are benefiting from having such a nice relationship with the Syracuse community, so it's nice to be able to give something back - as we like to do with all of our host cities," said Women's Championships Tournament Manager Eric Pierson. "This provides a way to do something for them and also helps strengthen the relationship between USBC and the cities that hold our tournaments."
Locals attended the event to support their favorite cause, while bowling on the shiny new lanes, moving to the live music of Los Blancos and enjoying the assortment of delicious finger foods were appreciated extras. Some participants attended just to see the cutting-edge transformation of the convention center for the 88-day tournament that will run from April 7-July 3.
Gordon Hyatt of Syracuse said, "I just had to come and check this out. I read about it and had to see it in person. And, I think it's really impressive."
Hyatt, who was there to support the Crouse Foundation, wasted no time in getting into the spirit of the sport, too, as he high-fived the rest of his group on successful shots on the lanes. He was joined by Cindy Hyatt, Gerald and Mary Beth Aloi and Steve and Connie Barker.
"This was an excellent opportunity for our community to support each other, while having a unique opportunity to bowl in the newly-built bowling stadium inside the Oncenter," said Terri Toennies, president and CEO of the Oncenter. "It was a once-in-a-life time experience for our guests, and everyone had a fantastic time."
Attendees were loaned house balls and shoes and snacked on a bowling-themed menu. Bowling dominated the names of the bar drinks, too.
Los Blancos, a local band home from a busy touring schedule, roused the dancing spirit in many with lively tunes, such as Boogie Woogie Blues.
Chris Skeval, who works in risk management for Crouse Hospital, was accompanied by his family and some friends and supported the Crouse charity. A strong proponent of bowling for his two children, Tim, 9, and Julia, 12, Skeval praised the summer youth bowling program, Kids Bowl for Free. As a result of consistently enrolling in that program, Tim has developed a bowling average of 90 already, and Julia has a keen eye for the game.
"I like this event," Julia said. "I especially like the professional lanes. They are so nice to bowl on, and I'm having a really good time."
The Oncenter doors were opened to the community again Thursday, as 144 local youth bowlers took to the 48 championships lanes for a special youth tournament.
The bowlers ranged in age from 7-20 years old. The age groups were arranged with the youngest bowlers on Lane 1 and the older bowlers toward Lane 48. They all got to experience the same lane condition that more than 30,000 women will compete on at this year's Women's Championships as more than 250 spectators looked on from the bleachers.
"It's a special opportunity for us to be able to open our doors and lanes to next generation of bowlers," Pierson said. "This tournament, and the Open Championships, are built on a combined 200 years of history and tradition, and the youth bowlers are the ones who will grow up and keep the events going strong. We are proud to be able to offer them a chance to compete on the biggest stage in bowling and hopefully keep them excited about the sport."
Sponsors for the 2011 USBC Women's Championships sponsors include Turning Stone Resort and Casino, official brackets sponsor, Humana, official registration sponsor, Miller Lite and Molson Canadian, official beer sponsors. Supporting sponsors include Storm Bowling Products, Nationwide Insurance, The Oncenter, Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau, Caz Limo & Tours, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and Brunswick, official lane provider.