ABC Tournament bowlers
contribute record amount
to BVL programs

Representing the largest contribution to date from the annual "Brackets" Tournament, the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) received a $52,487 donation from the American Bowling Congress, up 11 percent from last year's total.

"I want to sincerely thank the American Bowling Congress, and especially our BVL board member and ABC Executive Director Roger Dalkin and Assistant Executive Director Jack Mordini for their assistance with this great program both at the Albuquerque [New Mexico] tournament and throughout the year," said BVL Executive Director Helene Phillips. "The ABC has created an arrangement which builds on the guaranteed fun of the Brackets Tournament while supporting our nation's neediest veterans."

Each year, $1 of each $10 entry fee for bowlers participating in the Brackets Tournament (held in conjunction with the ABC Tournament) is set aside for a special contribution to the BVL.

BVL then funnels the contribution into their nationwide effort, which provides needy veterans with the extras not covered by government funding-ranging from special wheelchairs to sponsoring recreational events and visits for hospitalized veterans. Since its inception in 1942, the Bowlers to Veterans Link has raised more than $28 million for veterans.

"Thanks to creative thinking and a wonderful group of supportive bowlers, this annual contribution from the ABC Tournament has become an integral part of our fund-raising effort," concludes Phillips. "It's a win-win situation."