Elks Lodge helps raise $27,000 for Connecting for Kids
Lakewood Elks Lodge #1350 generously donated the use of its facility at 24350 Center Ridge Road in Westlake to Connecting for Kids for a recent Bowling Fundraiser which raised $27,000 for the Westlake-based nonprofit. In all, 80 bowlers participated in the two-week event, which was held from Friday, April 30, through Saturday, May 8.
“For over a hundred years Lakewood Elks Lodge 1350 has been helping the West shore communities and local nonprofits like Connecting for Kids. We were happy to donate the use of our bowling alley for the event and look forward to supporting the organization in the future,” said Brian Gartland, Exalted Ruler, Lakewood Elks Lodge #1350.
According to Sarah Rintamaki, Executive Director of Connecting for Kids, the local Elks Lodge was the perfect place to hold this event because it allowed for social distancing and adherence to CDC guidelines.
“It is difficult to run a fundraiser during a pandemic, but since the Lodge allowed our event to be spread over two weeks, we were able to have two teams bowling at a time on opposite ends of the alley,” said Rintamaki. “Not only are we grateful that the Elks allowed us to use their facility, but many Elks members also bowled themselves and volunteered their time to help clean, set up lanes and greet our guests."
Since the pandemic began, Connecting for Kids has fielded a record number of calls from parents concerned about their child’s mental health and skill regression. The organization’s Family Resource Specialists have been able to connect families to local resources such as alternative schools, tutors, advocates, mental health counselors, behavior specialists, pediatric providers, social skills groups, therapists and recreational programs. The funds raised at this event will allow Connecting for Kids to further its mission of educating and supporting families.
Lorilynn Wolf
Lorilynn Wolf serves as the Communications Director for Connecting for Kids.