Manchester Lions' April 6 Bowling Event to Benefit Fidelco Guide Dogs

On Saturday, April 6 from 12 noon to 3:30 p.m., the Manchester Lions Club will host the 26th annual Fenix Memorial Bowling Tournament to benefit the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. The fundraiser will be held at Spare Time Vernon bowling center at 350 Talcottville Rd. in Vernon, Conn.

Bowlers of all ages and skill levels can join the fun and make a difference at the same time. Advance registration is required: $30 entry includes: three games of bowling; shoe rental; two slices of pizza; and entry of a door prize tickets, and a chance for golden dollar headpin awards. Registration is first-come, first-served as spaces are limited. The on-line registration deadline is March 27.

There also will be opportunities for players and spectators to pay for tickets to enter a 50/50 cash raffle, raffles for prizes and gift cards, and more. Spectators are welcome but must purchase their own food, etc.

Longtime Manchester residents, John and Pat Garoppolo, created the Fenix Memorial Bowling Tournament because John’s first beloved guide dog, Fenix, was a Fidelco dog, and they wanted to give back to the organization that gave them such a life-changing guide dog. Over the years, this tournament has raised more than $270,000 for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. John has had many dogs (Fenix, Flare, Garner, Petra, Viper), but it is Fenix, whose name the event honors.

There are several event sponsor and donor levels for businesses and/or individuals:

• Platinum sponsor: $1500 and up donation. A major feature in the bowling program & eight (8) overhead announcements thanking sponsors of this level, plus a digital sign of your business logo.
• Gold sponsor: $500 donation. A prominent Thank You in the bowling program, a digital sign, and four (4) overhead announcements thanking your company by name.
• Silver sponsor: $250 donation. A Thank You in the bowling program, a digital sign, including one overhead announcement thanking your company by name.
• Digital sign sponsor: $125 donation. A digital sign, and a Thank You in the program.
• Donations of prizes or gift certificates are welcome – Email manchesterctlions@gmail.com

To register to play, become a sponsor, or get more information, go to: www.manchesterlionsclub.org/bowling, or contact event organizer and Manchester Lion Marisa Hicking at manchesterctlions@gmail.com.

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to limitless potential – to ensuring that men and women who are blind enjoy increased independence to improve their lives and the world around them. It takes two years, 15,000 hours, and $65,000+ to train a life-changing Fidelco guide dog. Clients are given guide dogs at no cost, to generous support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations. www.fidelco.org

The Manchester Lions Club have served the needs of the local community since 1949. For more information about the Manchester Lions, visit www.manchesterlionsclub.org.