Helping vets, frame by frame
Published 8:00 am Thursday, August 16, 2018
Lee Nell Ward competes Sunday afternoon on the left-end lane. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Pausing for a picture during the fundraiser are Donny and Christine Buechling. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
VFW Post 7059 Commander Fred Hill releases the ball as he participates in Sunday’s fundraiser. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Gathering for a photo are members of the VFW Post 7059 Auxiliary. They are, from left, Shelley Wray, Chere Hill, Sharon Perutelli and Peggy Emert. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Sharing a moment during the Bowling for Vets Fundraiser on Sunday are, from left, Jim Scott, Jay Fort and Gary Furlong. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
A small crowd of bowlers competing at Main St. Lanes in Farmville on Sunday afternoon were playing for a special purpose that gave honor to those who have helped ensure the freedoms enjoyed in the United States of America.
The fourth annual Bowling for Vets Fundraiser was being held, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7059. The event featured door prizes, food and fun for all ages.
To view more photos of the event, click here.
“It’s three games for 20 bucks a head,” said VFW Post 7059 Commander Fred Hill, moments before taking his turn on a lane. Later on, he noted that it was his predecessor, former Post Commander Blake Newman, who helped establish the bowling fundraiser. Hill explained how the funds raised benefit the VFW.
“The funds that go to the VFW are always used for vets — only for vets,” he said. “We have a fund for immediate cash assistance for veterans in need. We also support a scholarship fund. We have a scholarship program every year, an essay contest for grades 5-8. And then for 9-12, we have an oratory contest.”
Main St. Lanes General Manager Rodney Morris was pleased to be able to aid veterans. “We try to support them in any way that we can,” he said. “You can’t repay a debt like that.”
Though he did not serve in a foreign war, Morris noted he is a veteran of the Army and holds veterans in high regard. “I just have so much respect for them,” he said. “My dad was a veteran in a war overseas. I have two sons, one Navy, one Marine. They’ve been a part of wars overseas.”
