BVL ‘LEGENDS’ TO INAUGURATE IN D.C.

Wally Hall, John LaSpina, Johnny Petraglia and the late Elaine Hagin and Helen Duval have been selected as the initial recipients of the BVL Legends award.

The award recognizes individuals who have made significant and meaningful contributions to the Bowlers to Veterans Link over a period of at least 10 years.

Since its founding in 1942, the BVL has funded countless recreation therapy programs that benefit veterans and active-duty military.

“The members of the inaugural class of BVL Legends are being recognized for their exceptional dedication to the organization’s mission, ‘brightening veterans’ lives,’” said BVL Chair Nancy Schenk. “These honorees have demonstrated significant devotion to BVL…”

Hall has provided guidance and leadership to BVL by serving as a board member for more than two decades.

LaSpina is BVL’s immediate past chairman and implemented several programs that developed significant revenue sources for the charity.

Petraglia, a Vietnam vet, has been a BVL spokesman for decades and quietly visits hospitalized vets on his own.

Hagin was another long-time board member and galvanized the women’s bowling associations in California to make BVL fundraising a priority.

And Duval traveled the country on behalf of BVL, teaching bowling to hospitalized vets for 25 years.

The inaugural class of BVL Legends will be honored at International Bowl Expo in Washington, D.C., this summer.