County's United Way Bowling Fundraiser a Success

Jeans and red and blue shoes were the uniform of choice for many employees on Saturday as they came out to the in full force to raise money for the United Way.

The fundraiser attracted 24 teams of five bowlers who contributed $30 each to compete in the games. For some, it was their first time bowling. County Commissioners Carol Whitmore and John Chappie competed against one another, even though they were on the same team. Whitmore was still learning to bowl by the second game.

The top three teams offered stiff competition for the prizes ranging from $150 to $350.

Mary Pendleton-Brown, fiscal services manager with the county's Community Services department, said that it was gratifying to see so many participants, especially those co-workers from the county who brought friends and family.

The downturn in the economy means that the United Way needs help more than ever, said Pendleton-Brown, who helped organize the event. It's fundraisers like these that will help make up for the shortfall in funding when the government can't.

Several groups of county employees also gathered items for gift baskets that they designed and raffled during the bowling competition.