Strike Out the Violence Bowlathon

Bowlathon Scores Big

Annual fundraiser moves to Hutchinson, garners good reviews from bowlers, organizers

By Jill Barrall
of the McLeod Alliance

Saturday, Feb. 9’s Bowlathon looks to be a huge success! The 12th annual Strike Out the Violence Bowlathon moved to Hutchinson this year and that seems to have paid off.

Last year, the Bowlathon was hampered by a weekend blizzard with a large snowfall. This year, temperatures were dropping and the winds were picking up, but that didn’t deter the crowd. Bowlers turned out in record numbers.

Glynis Vacek, Bowlathon chairperson, said bowler turnout was better this year, with 95 bowlers rolling for the cause!

Bowlers brought in the most pledge money ever, collecting $7,414 in pledge money. Local businesses donated $1,350 cash. They donated $5,342 in prizes which were given away at our event this year!  Businesses that sponsored our event contributed $3,852 this year, which will be used to ensure that all victims of domestic violence in our community have access to our services!

Gail Plaisance of Hutch Bowl and his staff were very cooperative and eager to help.

Vacek also conducted some surveys with participants and their suggestions and comments are being considered in the planning of the 13th annual Bowlathon.

Congratulations to you all and thanks to everyone for bringing in those pledges and supporting McLeod Alliance!

Gearing up for a Gathering in the Garden

With summer on the way, it’s time to start thinking about our outdoor fundraiser at Debi Decker’s My Inspiration Salon and Spa in rural Hutchinson. True to the founder’s profession, the garden party fundraiser is getting a makeover!

After two very successful years of Garden Party events, the members of this event’s planning committee have been talking about some ways to increase attendance and boost awareness of domestic violence in our community.
They have come up with some changes to the former Garden Party. The first being the new name: Gathering in the Garden.

The format for the day —Wednesday, June 25 ­—  will be adjusted some. Full spa services will be available from 10 to 3 p.m. Dinner, a silent auction and other activities are slated from 4 to 6 p.m. The highlight of the evening with be the guest speaker from 6 to 7 p.m.

Vicki Swenson of Minnetonka will inspire and move the crowd when she tells her story. We are honored to have Vicki Swenson speak for us. Vicki lost her sister to domestic violence in 2006.  Vicki’s family was recently featured on an episode of the ABC television series, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

She will tell the story of her sister, Teri Lee, who was killed by an ex-boyfriend when he broke into her home, despite an order for protection. Vickie and her husband are now caring for Teri’s four children, in addition to four of their own.

Although Vicki had taught a class at Hopkins High School called “Marriage and Family” that included a unit on dating, relationships and violence in the family, she had no idea it would hit so close to home.

Since Teri’s murder, Vickie has become an advocate for victims of domestic violence, acknowledging that the laws needed to change. Through her efforts, and those of state senator Terri Bonoff, two pieces of legislation have been enacted. One encourages better education and training for law enforcement while the other adds perpetrator photographs to no contact orders. Education has become her passion.

Vicki says, “My sister really did do everything right --- she followed the system that we’ve created for women to follow, and she was very frustrated with that system. I would hear the frustration in her voice, I would see it in her face, that no one was listening.  She really went above and beyond what I think most women can do or are able to do.”

After her sister’s death, Vicki began speaking publicly. Her efforts have made a difference with changes in Minnesota laws for victims of domestic violence.

In addition to the speaker, the Minnesota Clothesline Project will again be on display at the event.

More details on this and other aspects of the event need to be worked out before June, so keep checking in with us at the Alliance.