BPACGA RAISES MORE THAN $64,000 FOR BVL

The BPA of the Carolinas and Georgia recently hosted its 2026 convention at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina, drawing more than 150 attendees from across the three states for education, networking and a celebration of the industry.

One of the convention’s more meaningful moments recognized a Bowlers to Veterans Link donation recipient, Paws of War. Two veterans, along with their pups and POW Executive Director Jackie O’Brien, attended, reminding participants of the real-world impact their fundraising makes.

This year, several centers stepped up and delivered record-breaking fundraising totals. Woodleaf Lanes Manager Crystal Hoover and her team donated $5,000 in their first season of raising money for BVL. Steve and Matt Brown of The Fun Bowl Centers in Georgia donated $500 last year, and Steve Brown challenged his center managers to see who could raise the most money — and ended up donating $23,680.

The convention festivities wrapped up with lively Elvis karaoke performances and the announcement of a record-breaking BVL fundraising total of $64,120, presented to BVL Executive Director Jessica Abel.

— RENEE DENNIS