Anonymous donor impressed with Round Lake Area Park District special recreation bowlers

Little did anyone with the Round Lake Area Park District's Special Olympics bowling program know they made a positive impression on someone to the point where it would result in a donation expected to cover the participants' fees for the next eight weeks.

Kristof's Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach received the $1,500 cash donation for the special recreation program's bowlers to be applied when their new weekly session starts Thursday.

Owner Tom Kristof said the man wished to remain anonymous and directed that $1,000 be used for the bowling expenses and $500 for food and beverages. He said the man presented the money after praising the Special Olympics bowlers, as well as upgrades the center made to make the lanes more handicapped accessible.

“He's not looking for anyone to give him a thank-you,” said Kristof, who knows the name of the donor who frequents his establishment.

Jessica Jeffery-Findley, the park district's special recreation program manager, said the contribution likely will mean the bowlers won't need to pay the $52 resident fee for the eight-week session. About 30 Special Olympics bowlers are expected to sign up.

Kristof said he received the donation about two weeks ago. He said he informed Round Lake Area Park District special recreation program supervisor Jenny Simpson about the gift before announcing to the bowlers over a public-address system.

Simpson said she wishes she knew the donor's name so she could thank him.

“It's amazing that somebody was noticing us,” she said Monday.

While bowling is considered to be one of Special Olympics' more popular sports, the Round Lake-area park system's other offerings include bocce and track and field.

Kristof said he's seen many good Special Olympics bowlers in the Thursday night league.

“I'll tell you what,” he said, “every one of them has special hearts.”