News Summary
The 19th Annual Strike Out Child Abuse Bowl-a-Thon is happening this Saturday at Sunrise Lanes. Organized by local Exchange Club chapters, the event supports the nonprofits Ready for Life and Babycycle. Participants can register and enjoy bowling while raising funds for families and young adults in need. The event includes a silent auction and aims to shine a light on important issues such as child abuse prevention and diaper needs in the community.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The 19th Annual Strike Out Child Abuse Bowl-a-Thon is set to take place this Saturday at Sunrise Lanes, located at 6393 9th Street N. This popular fundraising event is organized by four local chapters of the Exchange Club and aims to support two nonprofit organizations: Ready for Life and Babycycle.
Registration for participants will begin at noon, with bowlers hitting the lanes from 1 to 4 p.m. The bowl-a-thon is expected to attract many community members who wish to partake in a day of fun while contributing to vital causes that support families and young adults in need.
Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Ready for Life, which is dedicated to assisting young adults who have recently aged out of the foster care system. The organization offers an array of support services that include homeless prevention, transportation assistance, mental wellness programs, educational and job support initiatives, and the provision of food, essential items, and support networks for these vulnerable individuals. Ready for Life’s mission is to eliminate the barriers these young adults face as they transition to independent living.
Babycycle, another organization benefiting from the bowl-a-thon, serves as a community diaper bank based in Pinellas County. Its focus is on providing essential baby items, such as diapers, wipes, and baby food, to low-income families. Babycycle also partners with local agencies to distribute necessities like cribs, strollers, and car seats, addressing critical needs in the community.
The bowl-a-thon is recognized as one of the larger fundraisers of the year, featuring a silent auction and opportunity drawings to entice participants. Every dollar raised will go towards supporting the essential services provided by Ready for Life and Babycycle, amplifying their reach and impact on the community.
Mark Dayton, a board member of the Northeast Exchange Club and the Burg Exchange Club, highlights the significance of this event, emphasizing its alignment with national efforts focused on child abuse prevention. The Exchange Club’s commitment to this cause underlines its dedication to fostering safer environments for children and families.
Kathy Mize, the CEO of Ready for Life and a board member of the Harbor Exchange Club of North Pinellas, outlines the positive implications of the bowl-a-thon in terms of funding and visibility for their programs. She notes that the event not only generates critical resources for future services but also raises public awareness about the challenges faced by those transitioning out of foster care.
Furthermore, Torrie Tiernan Jasuwan, the founder and current president of the Northeast Exchange Club, brings attention to the dire need for diaper assistance in the Tampa Bay region, stating that diaper needs affect one in two parents in the area. This reinforces the importance of community support in breaking the cycle of poverty that many families experience.
Organizers have assured that the entire event is managed by volunteers, reflecting the collective effort of community members to facilitate this impactful fundraising initiative. By partaking in the Strike Out Child Abuse Bowl-a-Thon, attendees contribute to meaningful change in the lives of local families, young adults, and children.
The community is encouraged to join in this significant event supporting crucial services for those in need, making a positive impact through their participation and generosity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBOY: Woman Arrested in West Virginia
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- New York Times: Pavel Durov Abuse Claims
- Google Search: Pavel Durov Telegram
- Fox 13 News: Armed Man Shot in Pinellas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- New Yorker: Pete Hegseth’s Secret History
- Google News: Pete Hegseth
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
