Lakeport >> April 19 is the registration deadline for the Lake County Hunger Task Force’s “Strike Out Hunger” program, an all-ages bowling food drive to be held April 26 at Lakeside Family Fun and Event Center, located at 872 Lakeport Blvd.
Patterned after the “Bowling for kid’s sake” event formerly run by the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization, the day will have teams of bowlers raising food and funds for a summer food program. All bowlers are required to contribute three items of non-perishable food. There is also a fee of $50 for a team of four, with up to six being allowed on a team. Additional team members will pay $10 each. Individuals may sign up for $15 and will be placed with a team. There will be time slots for eight teams to bowl, at 10 and 11:30 a.m., and 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. Those who sign up first will have their choice of times. Bowlers in the afternoon time slots will be treated to live music provided by local band Deez Guize from 2 to 4.
The primary purpose of this event is to collect much needed food for some of the county’s poorest families. More than 72 percent of all Lake County students are eligible to receive reduced rate or free lunches at school. When school is not in session they often do without. This will be an attempt to help bridge that gap. Suggested food donations include tuna, canned low sugar fruit, peanut butter, and any healthy canned goods.
Each bowler will be given a pledge sheet. Pledges may be taken for score per pin, a fixed dollar amount or in keeping with the food theme: cans or cases of food. Prizes will be awarded for the top scoring team, most pledges and most food brought in.
“We are hoping that some organizations can issue challenges to their peers. The fire departments can compete against each other. The police can do the same, as well as Rotarians, Kiwanians, Lions, teachers, real estate agents, hairdressers or any group you can come up with,” said Tammy Alakszay, head of North Coast Opportunities Community Action (NCO) for Lake County, and one of the committee members helping organize the day.
“It is really not about the bowling, but the food,” added Lorrie Gray, another committee member. “Even if you do not bowl well, come and help us help others.”
Participants will receive a sponsor t-shirt provided by Calpine, NCO, Lincoln Leavitt Insurance, Northlake Medical Pharmacy, Blue Moon Cafe, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Blue Wing Saloon, Clearlake Grocery Outlet, Riviera Foods, Riviera Shopping Center, Braito’s Marina, Scully Packing, CPS Country Air Properties, Umpqua Bank, Big Valley Properties, Country Carpets, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Twin Pines Casino, Park Place, and JJ Forge.
To sign up or for questions, call 277-9227.
