March 10, 2010
Photo Gallery: Second Annual Bowling for Wishes
At the start of the school year, the UMass Lowell Student-Athlete Advisory Committee set a lofty goal for their fundraising efforts: $7,000 to be donated to Make-A-Wish by year’s end. Throughout the year, they raised money through various events and volunteer work, but the signature event student-athletes have come to look forward to in the spring is the Bowling for Wishes Tournament.
This year, not only did they reach their goal through tireless efforts all year, but they surpassed their benchmark in the single-night event, raising more than $8,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Monday, March 8 alone. The sum was the largest fundraiser the group has ever had.
There were nearly 200 participants that ranged from varsity athletic teams to student groups and athletic department staff members. The enthusiastic group took over Brunswick Zone in Lowell for the two-hour event, sprawling over 24 lanes.
Aside from varsity athletic teams, representatives from the dance and rowing teams, ODK Honor Society, ANS/Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering/Bat Lab came out to participate. As did the Exercise Physiology department, Sigma Tau and Veteran’s Club.
Both the softball and field hockey teams raised in excess of $1,000 while the Chemical Engineering group was just shy of that benchmark. Participants sought donations from family, friends, local businesses, professors, coaches and co-workers to benefit the cause.
"While the student-athletes participated in full force, the event also drew support a variety of other campus groups for the first time. Mechanical Engineering, the Chemistry Club, ODK Honor Society, and the Student Veteran's Club were just a few that that joined with the SAAC to literally take over the bowling alley," said Athletic Director Dana Skinner. "It was one of the more successful and enjoyable campus events we've witnessed in recent years.”
UMass Lowell's SAAC is committee of student-athletes that meet regularly and plan events to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting leadership opportunities, protecting student-athlete welfare, fostering a positive student-athlete image and providing educational and community service opportunities.
