25th annual Bowl-A-Rama strikes a positive note for youth
Hundreds of friends and supporters, including George Pasko, who played a key role in the creation of the Lutherbrook Bowl-A-Rama, were on-hand Feb. 11-12 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this signature event and support youth at the Lutherbrook Child and Adolescent Center. Their efforts were evident in the more than $52,000 raised during this year's event.
This year's celebration included bowling, raffles, a gallery showcasing art by Lutherbrook youth and the presentation of a plaque of appreciation to George Pasko, a former Lutherbrook employee, who was determined 25 years ago to come up with a way to assist Lutherbrook youth. That idea, plus the commitment and hard work of hundreds of supporters, volunteers, sponsors and staff has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars being raised over the past quarter century through the Bowl-A-Rama.
Addison Mayor Larry Hartwig was also on hand for the celebration. “We are proud to have Lutherbrook in the Village of Addison. It's a great institution and it's our pleasure to be able to support Lutherbrook in many ways. (The Bowl-A-Rama) is just one of them.” In presenting the plaque to Pasko, the mayor noted, “George, you should be very proud…. It's a good example of people starting with something small, coming with an idea and then taking that and running with it.”
Lutherbrook Executive Director Brent Diers expressed his appreciation, “I want to thank George for all the incredible work he did. (He showed his compassion for kids) by developing the Bowl-A-Rama. His legacy lives on at Lutherbrook through (this event).”
Displaying his typical humility, George Pasko spoke of the community effort that has made the Bowl-A-Rama a success throughout its history, “This was just an idea, this was just a seed… It's everybody that's standing here, thousands of bowlers that have gone through here, the factories, the companies…”
Lutherbrook provides specialized residential treatment for youth ages 7-18. The youth arrive from a variety of life circumstances, and most have experienced a serious trauma in their lives. They come to Lutherbrook to receive individualized therapy in a compassionate, nurturing and stable environment. It is through this care that they are able to heal, grow and reach their full potential.
All of the proceeds from this year's Bowl-A-Rama at Addison's Stardust Bowl will go directly towards the purchase of new furniture and fixtures for the Lutherbrook youth. If the amount of money raised exceeds what is required to purchase the targeted items, those funds will be used for day-to-day needs of the youth.
Bowl-A-Rama provided attendees with a great way to spend a cold February afternoon, while at the same time making a difference in the Addison community. The generous underwriting of the Bowl-A-Rama by Noland Sales Corp. in Wood Dale helped make this year's Bowl-A-Rama successful. Many other community-minded individuals and businesses added to the success of the event, including sponsors such as Nite Owl Prints, Oxford Bank, Presta Construction, UPS and Thrivent Financial Chapters. Area congregations lent their support through bowlers and pledges, including Trinity Lutheran Church in Villa Park and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hillside, both of which had dozens of bowlers attending this year's event.
The event's grand prize of an iPad2 went to bowler/support Alonso Espinoza of UPS, who was invited to this year's event by last year's grand prize winner, Kari Lydon.
Lutherbrook is a program of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS), a non-profit social ministry organization serving more than 35,000 individuals annually with programs such as foster care, adoption, counseling, residential treatment and a variety of community services. For more information on Lutherbrook or LCFS' other programs and services, visit www.lcfs.org or call 800-363-LFCS.