Thanks to the generosity of thousands of carriers, their families and friends, NALC raised more than a quarter of a million dollars in its first bowlathon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

At least 150 branches took part in the event, held Sunday, November 1, at bowling alleys across the country, as recounted in the December Postal Record. As of December 16, the event had taken in more than $300,000, said National MDA Coordinator Jim Williams.

“A lot of our branches already do so much to raise money for MDA and I think the bowlathon has helped bring more branches on board,” said Williams, a member of Portland, Oregon Branch 82. “A nationwide event like this can be a template for other efforts, both local and national, so we can keep building on our success.”

NALC President Fred Rolando said the NALC national bowlathon will be an annual event on the
first Sunday of November to support the MDA, the union’s only official national charity. “I believe we can do more to help the children and young adults who are battling neuromuscular diseases,” he said. “Letter carriers can lead the way in the quest for a cure.”

Williams said other national events are being considered, such as “Texas hold-’em” poker tournaments or a national car wash day.

The bowlathon’s top fund-raising branches in 10 size categories were Los Angeles, California Branch 24; Las Vegas, Nevada Branch 2502; Memphis, Tennessee Branch 27, Northeastern New York Branch 358; Clearwater, Florida Branch 2008; Shreveport, Louisiana Branch 197; Ann Arbor, Michigan Branch 434; Hagerstown, Maryland Branch 443; Morrisville, Pennsylvania Branch 2572; and Benton, Arkansas Branch 3706.

Each winning local will receive a laptop computer loaded with NALC’s software. The highest handicapped scorer and the highest actual scorer in each size category will receive a check for $150, applicable toward a new bowling ball and shoes. | Full results