This year marks the 20th anniversary of the bowl-a-thon fundraiser supporting the Westside Coalition.
The annual bowl-a-thon is the only fundraiser supporting the Westside Coalition, a non-profit partnership of 42 organizations providing advocacy and coordinating homeless care and services in Santa Monica.
“The bowl-a-thon is a fun charitable event where our entire community comes together in teams of five people to compete against their friends, coworkers, neighbors, and rival companies for awesome raffle prizes, swag, trophies, and more!,” the Westside Coalition said in a press release. “Pizza and soft drinks are provided and a full bar is on site.”
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica, who has sponsored the event several times in the past, will be the lead sponsor again this year. The president of the Santa Monica Kiwanis, Jessica Handy, said the organization is very proud to be the title sponsor of the event once again.
“We have sponsored and participated for over 10 years and it is so fun that every year our members fight to get on the team!,” Handy said in a statement. “It is an event that brings our community together for a great cause that is unique to our community. With the Westside Coalition's focus on child and young adult health, crisis prevention and response, their mission aligns perfectly with ours in supporting children and families in need. The event is also a great reminder of how much fun it is to bowl!”
Event organizer, Brittney Seeliger believes that the Santa Monica community wants to make a difference and events like the bowl-a-thon give locals an opportunity to raise funding for the Coalition.
“In years past, the Santa Monica Fire Chief and Police Chief have participated in a friendly 'Chief's Challenge,' and this year, we are looking forward to the bowl-off between Assembleymember Richard Bloom, Congressman Ted Lieu, state Sen. Ben Allen, and Councilman Mike Bonin,” Seeliger said. “Creating team spirit and buzz within the hotels, and bars and restaurants in the area, we will have a special evening 'hospitality' trophy, with teams from across the city and sector competing for bragging rights until next year.”
According to the Westside Coalition, the homeless population on the Westside of Los Angeles is in dire need of housing, food, and health care services. “One of the biggest gaps and barriers to service for the Westside's homeless is that Los Angeles County funding for homeless services is directed primarily to Skid Row and what little money is available is divided among various non-profits with diverse missions and few resources,” the press release stated.
“The Westside Coalition overcomes this barrier by collaborating and coordinating intake and services so that individuals can access the full spectrum of specialized services available through the 42 partners including integrated mental health; medical and substance abuse teams; services for youth and the elderly; veterans; victims of domestic violence; food insecurity; services for the highly disabled; and the Coordinated Entry System, which has transitioned over 400 individuals to permanent housing.”
The fundraiser will take place Wednesday, April 27, from 12:30 to 10 p.m. at Bowlmor Santa Monica (234 Pico Blvd.).
To participate in the event, register online at www.bit.ly/bowlathonregistration by April 1.
Prizes are given to the team and individual raising the most money for the Westside Coalition at www.crowdrise.com/westsidebowlathon.
To learn more about the 20th Annual Westside Bowl-a-Thon, please contact Britney Seeliger at (213) 663- 9660 or westsidebowlathon@gmail.com.
To learn more about the Westside Coalition on Housing, Hunger, and Health contact Darci Niva at darci@westsideshelter.org.
