Bowling Fundraiser to Benefit Local Animal Shelter

by Jonathan Weaver

This Saturday evening, supporters of Orphans of the Storm animal shelter will be bowling at Falcon Lanes in Ford City to help out the dogs and cats.

It will be the first bowling fundraiser for the Rayburn Township no-kill shelter, according to organizer Rini Wills.

Wills, of Ford City, has been an Orphans volunteer since 1979 and has adopted a German shepherd and two cats from the animal shelter. She also owns two other dogs, a cat and horses.

Each October, Wills also organizes the “Fall for Animals Festival” at Crooked Creek Horse Park to benefit local shelters.

“I just (organize events) to try and help out,” Wills said. “I can’t foster because I have my own animals, so this is how I try to help.”

Wills said she has been focused on the bowling fundraiser for the past few months. She hopes for a large crowd Saturday evening.

“I’ve had some calls of groups coming to bowl and some individuals, so yes – I hope a lot come,” Wills said. “I thought bowling would be a nice indoor activity since you never know what the weather is going to do this time of year.”

Weather forecasts indicate snow and freezing weather might move back into the area this weekend.

For $10 each, supporters Wednesday evening will receive two hours of bowling, shoe and ball rental a hot dog or ham BBQ and a non-alcoholic beverage.

Participants will also be eligible for prizes during a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction when the event begins at 6:30PM. All proceeds from Saturday benefit the animal shelter.

During a HOPE fundraiser last weekend (Helping Orphan Pets Excel) at the Pattonville VFW in Ford City, the animal shelter raised money after a basket raffle and cash bash.

Reportedly, more than $300 was raised during that benefit.