by Jessica Carreras
This Saturday, bowl a strike or two for a cause with the 10th annual Red Ribbon Bowl.
Held 1 p.m. March 7 at Cloverlanes in Livonia, the annual event raises money for Higher Ground and the Ruth Ellis Center.
Higher Ground is an HIV/AIDS organization that provides holistic support for those in the community living with the disease. They help to provide a safe and nurturing environment, as well as work to offer opportunities for HIV-positive people to improve their health of mind, body and spirit.
The Ruth Ellis Center is a social service agency dedicated to helping LGBT youth who are homeless, many due to being kicked out of their homes after coming out to their families. They provide housing, a safe space, counseling and more resources to LGBT youth in Washtenaw County.
The Red Ribbon Bowl is a fundraising event that brings much needed money to both organizations.
People can register individually, or in teams of four. They must come to register one hour before bowling begins, and registration is limited to 32 teams.
There will be several opportunities for participants to win prizes, including giveaways, games and 50/50 raffles. Cash prizes will be given our to the first, second and third place winners. The prize amount will be based on the number of teams registered, and could be as much as $1,000 for first place, $700 for second place and $400 for third place, based on an estimate of 28 teams.
The fee for an individual is $45, and $180 for a team of four. The registration costs include lane fees, prize funds and charitable donations. The Ruth Ellis Center and Higher ground will also accept cash donations above the listed registration fees, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Donations of gift cards, dinners, tickets to events and other prizes will also be accepted.
For more information, contact Red Ribbon Bowl founder Bob Bretz at 734-564-1953. Registration fees can be paid on the day of the event, or checks can be sent to Red Ribbon at 30253 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI, 48154.
