Though Veterans Day has passed, every day is a chance to help out a Veteran in need—something one Long Island-based, family-owned bowling company believes whole-heartedly.
Maple Family Centers—which owns Maple Lanes in Rockville Centre and Coram County Lanes—hosts Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), a non-profit organization with fundraisers designed to improve the quality of life for Veterans and active-duty service members.
According to its website, the national-scale charity has assisted more than 5.3 million Veterans since its inception over 83 years ago.
“Our little family business has raised, as of today, about $950,000 for BVL,” said Joseph LaSpina. The Maple Family Centers vice president said the company has their heart set on securing $1 million in donations by year’s end.
‘We are well on our way,” he added.
LaSpina emphasized that there are several ways for community members to support their fundraising effort. “One [way] is to visit one of our bowling centers and come contribute. We are always raising money for BVL in the centers. The other way [is] just go to bvl.org, that's their website.”
The company, a longtime staple in local bowling, has a deep tradition of family involvement and community outreach. Back in August, Maple Family Centers celebrated its 65th anniversary by offering free bowling at all its locations for two weekends in a row — a gesture of appreciation toward the patrons who have supported them throughout the decades.
LaSpina said continuing that community spirit through charitable giving is what makes the BVL partnership so meaningful for their business and for Long Island’s Veteran community.
Their mission serves as a reminder that it is no coincidence that Veterans Day takes place mere weeks before Thanksgiving.
Helping those who deserve it not just in conjunction with these holidays, but in general—it’s as perfect as bowling 10 strikes in a row.