Homeworks: Habitat for Humanity pins hopes on bowling fundraiser

Hoping to strike out poverty housing and homelessness, Macomb County Habitat for Humanity presents its annual bowling fundraiser, Raise the Roof and Lift Some Spirits.

The event begins at 7 p.m. April 26 at Continental Lanes in Roseville.

"It's a riot and it really helps out," said Terri Benson, events manager for Macomb Habitat. "Last year we raised $10,000 - which was almost double from the year before. Obviously, we're looking to double it again."

What's great about the event is everyone can get involved -- family, friends and coworkers. Those who wish to bowl can sign up individually or as a team (five members). There is no cost for bowling in the fundraiser. Instead participants are being asked to collect pledges; minimum amount for adults is  $50 and $20 for children 12 and younger.    

Each bowler will have the opportunity to bowl three games. It's nine-pin no-tap which means bowlers are awarded a strike if they get down nine pins with their first ball.

To move things along and to make the night a little more interesting, a couple of the games will be slightly different - even wacky.

"Wacky bowling is where bowlers may be asked to throw the bowl through their legs or backwards," Benson said. 

One game of cosmic color bowling is also on the agenda. The game is played under special lighting designed to add color and animation to the game. However, these variations of the game are optional. "If someone just wants to bowl a regular game they can do that too," Benson said.

No matter what everyone is playing, the evening is expected to be lots of fun.

"Bowlers get free pizza and pop," said Benson. "There's also going to be door prizes and a drawing for a compound miter saw and a smoker donated by Lowe's in Clinton Township and a 50/50 raffle."

The proceeds from the event last year went to support the construction and closing costs on more than 25 homes.

"We seek to develop homes and communities in which people can live and grow. As a community, we have many opportunities to accomplish our mission," said a report by Benson. "Habitat invites people from all walks of life to work together in partnership to help build and rehab houses with families that need a 'hand up' not a 'hand out.' By participating in our bowling event, you help to bring awareness of our important mission."

Those who cannot participate in the bowling event can still support the cause by making a pledge.

Preregistration is required for the bowling event. To register and receive a pledge sheet, and for information on donations, contact Terry Benson, events manager at 586-263-1540 ext. 120 or tbenson@macombhabitat.org; Ruselda Johnson, director of financial resources at ext. 102 or rjohnson@macombhabitat.org.