More than 1,000 bowlers helped raise thousands of dollars during the 40th annual Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon.
The JA Bowl-A-Thon is the organization’s largest fundraiser taking place in eight communities throughout Junior Achievement of the Heartland in February and March. The Moline-based JA’s goal was to raise $150,000 to help support JA learning experiences offered in local schools.
The local JA of the Heartland is ranked as the 25th largest JA Area in the United States (out of 103) with more than 50,000 kindergarten through high school students across the 23-county area benefiting from JA experiences.
On Tuesday, Feb. 28, JA officials told the QCBJ that a final tally on the money raised is not yet available but the nonprofit is on track to surpass the $150,000 goal. The event attracted 1,360 bowlers for all the Bowl-A-Thon events throughout the region and another Bowl-A-Thon event is in a few days for DeWitt, Iowa.
In the Quad Cities, bowlers gathered Saturday, Feb. 25, at the TBK Bank Sports Complex in Bettendorf, as well as Big River Bowling and Bowlmor Lanes in Davenport.
“The JA Bowl-A-Thon is a testament to how the communities we serve rally to support JA fundraising efforts,” Katie Sothmann, senior director of marketing and special events for JA, said in a statement. “It’s humbling to see so many organizations taking time weeks and months before the day of the event to create teams and fundraise their pledges, then give up a Saturday to head to the bowling alley to celebrate their fundraising success and JA’s mission.”
Junior Achievement teaches students the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and fiscal choices. By partnering with area educators and the business community, JA helps prepare students for life after graduation with learning experiences that focus on financial literacy, work and career readiness and entrepreneurship.
JA officials also gave a special thanks to this year’s Bowl-A-Thon sponsors: Necker’s Jewelers, Quad Cities Regional Business Journal, HNI Corporation, KWQC TV6, Silver Oaks Communications, WHBF CBS4, Green Buick GMC, Quad City Bank & Trust, Hiland Toyota, Twin State Technical Services, Vollertsen, Britt and Gorsline, and Wells Fargo.
