You’ve probably noticed posters for the “Bowling for Boobs” fundraiser at Heritage Lanes in St. Thomas for many months now. On Saturday October 15th, after the 3rd shift of six for the three-day event, it was clear to see that organizer Kelly Baines and the community have scored a perfect game with the fundraiser in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Society. 

Kelly noted that she built on last year’s success for this 2nd annual “Bowling for Boobs”. She has a passion for both bowling and the cause (her mom died of breast cancer five years ago). She is to be commended for combining that passion with amazing event planning savvy. She wanted it to be “fun and easy for people to join in” (the requirement was just a $50 pledge for each team member). She intended that the interesting name and the poster’s early release this year would catch people’s attention and give them lots of time to get involved.

The response was overwhelming, with the initially planned one-day event expanded to three days and an increase in teams to eighty-seven from last year’s thirty-six. The community was clearly engaged, with team involvement and donations of posters, media support, draw and silent auction items. “Fun” would be an understatement for the energetic vibe to be found at Heritage Lanes around noon on Saturday. The place was glowing with a sea of pink, lights from the cosmic bowling, music and happy chatter.  

 John Baines, Kelly’s dad, was still expressing delight over Mayor Heather Jackson-Chapman’s opening night participation.  He said, “We were teasing her about her bowling skills. Then she did a backwards granny bowl and it was a strike! The crowd was thrilled.”

The first two shifts of Saturday brought in $4,500 and $4,864 putting them just under last year’s total, with lots more games to come.

Says Kelly, “Next year’s date has already been set.” Monday it’s back to school at Trent University where she is enrolled in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She definitely deserves for the energy and success of the weekend to help carry her through completion of that mid-term exam that awaits Monday.

 Great job Kelly, John, Heritage Lanes and all the participants, organizers, and supporters!

The slideshow below features some of Mark's photos from Friday evening at the event.        

Men gathered to step out in high-heels on Sun Sept 25th for the Second Annual St. Thomas Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, in support of Violence Against Women, Services Elgin County (VAWSEC).
 
"Walk A Mile in Her Shoes" was started in 2001 by Frank Baird and a small group of men. It has since grown to become an international movement raising millions of dollars for local rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and other sexualized violence education, prevention and remediation programs.

Last year, thirty-three men tottered the route around Pinafore Park. The goal this Sunday was to line up more participants and raise $10,000. VAWSEC administrative assistant, Ramona Smith, noted that the funds raised at the St. Thomas Walk are specifically for transportation to the shelter in St. Thomas.

Violence Against Women, Services Elgin County provides a safe place to stay (open 24 hours a day), drop in counselling with a professional counsellor, and legal consultation for women across Elgin County. To learn more about this organization, visit www.vawsec.on.ca.

Sunday’s event in Pinafore Park was abuzz with both men and women event volunteers and attendees, lots of information, music, fun and humour as the many men registered to walk, found their perfect fitting heels, and helped to raise money for this important service.  

Check out photos from the event by Mark Girdauskas in the slideshow below.