Article Contributed on: 3/25/2008 1:30:12 PM
It's not every day that a night of bowling can contribute to child abuse prevention and awareness.
On April 6, SungateKids will be hosting its sixth annual Bowlathon fundraiser at The Brunswick Zone, 9255 Kimmer Drive in Lone Tree. The event will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
SungateKids is a Denver-based nonprofit organization aimed at providing comprehensive investigation and support services to victims of child abuse.
According to its Web site,
www.sungatekids.org, SungateKids' goal is to ensure children are not re-victimized "by the very system designed to protect them."
A total of 48 teams will play at the Bowlathon, according to SungateKids Assistant Director
Leslie Ludolph. Each team has raised money from community sponsorships and contributions. The bowling itself is not competitive -- it's "just for fun," Ludolph said.
Rock Canyon High School's golf team will be bowling, as well as two teams from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and two teams from the Parker Police Department.
Ludolph said there are 23 teams from Time Warner Telecom. Some of these same teams raised more than $34,000 at last year's Bowlathon.
"Teams compete within departments and within the company to raise as much money as they can," Ludolph said. "
Larissa Herda, Time Warner Telecom president and CEO, encourages employees to be active members in their communities and they really come through for SungateKids during this event."
Ludolph said the fundraising goal for this year's event is $50,000.
Although the maximum number of teams already have been registered, Ludolph said residents still can support teams of their choice by donating money at
http://events.sungatekids.org/index.php?s=17.
SungateKids Executive Director
Diana Goldberg said, "The Bowlathon is one of our most successful events because it's families connecting with kids and helping kids, so it's an event that comes straight from the heart. It's a way to have a great time, with great meaning and impact for the whole community."