Bowling for meals and fun

Bowling may be the furthest thing from somebody's mind when thinking of the Meals on Wheels program. But when it comes to fund-raisers, anything and everything is possible.

The realty office of Coldwell Banker-Best Sellers will hold a Moonlight Bowl-a-Thon and Karaoke event as a benefit for the Carson City Meals on Wheels program. They are fielding two bowling teams - The Smith Team and The Rainey Team.

Real Estate Assistant Michelle Rainey and Ann Fitzgerald are coordinating the effort to raise funds for the program.

"We're trying to raise extra money for Meals on Wheels," Rainey said. "Families and children are welcome."

Rainey said Carson Lanes will turn off overhead lights to create the moonlight bowling effect. Each person is asked to donate a minimum $10 to cover lane fees. Check-in is at 6 p.m., bowling starts at 7.

"They can also get sponsors, just like a walk-a-thon," Rainey added. "They can have their family and friends sponsor them. Everybody is welcome to just come in and bowl."

Sponsors can "pay-per-pin" for the individual bowler. Suggested amount is 5 cents per pin.

"We are just taken aback at the generosity of Coldwell Bankers," said Janice McIntosh, director of the Carson City Senior Citizens Center. "Mostly because they gave us $1,000 earlier in the year. They have planned and executed this fund-raiser. Their enthusiasm is incredible."

McIntosh said Meals on Wheels is doing well because people have been generous.

"However, we've had some vehicle breakdowns," she added. "We're doing OK, but donations are always needed because it's an expensive program to operate.

McIntosh said it costs $4.89 to deliver a meal to a homebound senior.

"It's not a cheap program to operate, but it is one that is truly wonderful," she said.

The lounge area of the bowling alley will have karaoke going throughout the evening in addition to Cookie Lee jewelry sales.

"She will be donating 20 percent of her proceeds to our cause," Rainey said. "We have about $750 in prize money and donations, and we'll be selling tickets for a 50/50 drawing that night."

For raffle tickets sold prior to Friday, ticket purchasers need not be present to win.

"I am bowling, and I'm not a bowler," Rainey said. "I've tried, but no. I'm not. We welcome everyone to come in and have a good time. Kids are welcome."

Rainey said they would like to hand over $8,000 to $10,000 to the program, but said even $1,000 will work.

"We wouldn't have a community if we didn't have seniors," Rainey said.

n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

If you go

What: Bowl-a-Thon and Karaoke fund-raiser for Meals on Wheels

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Carson Lanes, 4600 Snyder Ave.

Cost: $10 per bowler; donations accepted

Call: 883-8500 or 883-2606