Bowl-A-Rama News
By Debra J. White

Aug 10, 2005 - The 3rd annual Bowl-A-Rama for Animal Rescue was held on August 6 at the AMF Shea Village Lanes in Phoenix. At least 500 people attended to support over 45 rescue groups and animal shelters. To accommodate so many bowlers there were morning and afternoon shifts. Among the PETS 911 partners on hand were the Arizona Animal Welfare League, Rescue a Golden, Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, Arizona Basset Hound Rescue, and Helping Animals Live On. Bowl-A-Rama's growing role in the rescue community even gained political recognition!

Official proclamations came from Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Mayor Mary Manross of Scottsdale. The County Board of Supervisors added their official declaration as did Governor Janet Napolitano, making the first Saturday of August officially PETS 911 Auxiliary's Bowl-A-Rama day!

The sweeping impact that Bowl-A-Rama has on the rescue community is shared among the PETS 911 Auxiliary partners.

"Bowl-A-Rama raises much needed money during the summer when it's too hot for outdoor events. It's also so nice when all the rescue groups get together, have fun, while raising money for the animals at the same time," said Monique Merola, President of Arizona Basset Hound Rescue. "Bowl A Rama raises much needed money during the summer when it's too hot for outdoor events. It's also so nice when all the rescue groups get together, have fun, while raising money for the animals at the same time."

Hillary Brose of Paw Placement agreed.

"It's one of our major fundraisers. We've participated three years in a row and expect to be there next year." And Bowl-A-Rama is the second largest fundraiser for AZ RESCUE. "It is the best fundraiser I've ever been involved with. It's an absolute gift to have all of the logistics taken care of, leaving the organization with no out-of-pocket expenses," said Julie Seal, founder and president.

Prizes were awarded for best costumes, the best cheers, and the best-designed bowling pin.

Leslie Hans, PETS 911 Auxiliary board member, bid on the pin from Fast Dogs, Fast Friends, Greyhound Rescue. "The minute my eyes saw this bowling pin, I just fell in love with it. The pin is sitting in my living room."

Bari Mears, president of the PETS 911 Auxiliary, and Eileen Proctor, head of the Bowl-A-Rama committee, also created additional opportunities to encourage patrons to part with their money to raise funds for the animals. A fantastic silent auction and a great raffle were also part of the days events! And for the first time, each rescue group was asked to design a special bowling pin, with an animal related motif of course. Participants and spectators bid on the pins, with each group receiving the proceeds from their respective pin. Lastly, official Bowl-A-Rama T-shirts made their debut for $10 apiece!

The PETS 911 Auxiliary plows all the profits from Bowl-A-Rama into the Emergency Medical Fund (EMF), an innovative program that offers financial assistance for sick or injured animals of active groups partnering with the Auxiliary. The EMF is a much-needed program, created by the Auxiliary, and introduced to the community in 2004.

How did Bowl-A-Rama get its start? Top Dog, Eileen Proctor of It's a Ruff Life and board member of the PETS 911 auxiliary, deserves the big bone. In 2003, she had a dream and used her instincts to sniff out a way to fulfill it. Now, Bowl-A-Rama, with the help and guidance of Bari Mears, and a dynamic committee, raises thousands of dollars every year for hundreds of homeless animals.

"I thank Eileen and all the people on the planning committee for such a wonderful job," Mears said. "The energy was high, the camaraderie was awesome, and we're still totaling up the proceeds, which so far exceed $205,000."

A special word of thanks also goes to the event's generous sponsors. Without this fundraiser, many local animals would likely be euthanized and sick or injured dogs and cats get a second chance instead of an uncertain fate. Bowl-A-Rama has carved out a special place in the lives of Maricopa County's needy animals and the many people who care for them.

"Bowl-A-Rama is here to stay! We'll be bowling the first Saturday of August, for years to come!"