Family Bowling Center in Fort Dodge, spearheaded by Bruce Rollins Jr., recently hosted its second annual Bowlers to Veterans Link 9-pin tournament.

This was an open event for all ages and skill levels. A total of 43 competitors were entered and saw three games of 9-pin action.

Greg Swanson was the overall winner, with Morgan Klink taking second and Brandon Kearney securing third.

Since 1942, the bowling community has raised more than $56 million to fund BVL’s mission and support veterans through recreation therapy programs and services. BVL funds dozens of programs — including outdoor sports, music, arts and crafts, adaptive equipment, virtual reality therapy and more — for veterans hospitals, clinics and community-based counseling centers.

“I would like to say thanks to local businesses, donators, artists, and a PBA Hall of Famer for donating prizes to the silent auction,” Rollins Jr. said. “Many items went for twice their retail value. We were able to raise a significant amount for the organization.”

Recreation therapy helps address isolation and the challenging transition for veterans back into everyday life. More than nine millions veterans use VA services each year, and nearly 4.9 million have service-connected disabilities.

BVL helps fund programs and services that address the physical and mental therapy needs of veterans. This is a national organization, but the funds help veterans in the state.

“I will be selling rubber BVL bracelets and remembrance paper pins until Veterans Day so we can maximize our donation to this incredible organization,” Rollins Jr. said. “My goal is to be able to donate $7500 to help the veterans and their families. They have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we have, and will continue to have, because of their unwavering dedication to serve our great nation.”

Rollins Jr. added a “huge thank you to Randy and his staff at Family Bowling Center, Barbara Crawford, Jenn Rollins and the many others who donated their time and efforts to help with this growing annual event.”

For anyone who would still like to donate, buy a commemorative bracelet or remembrance pin, Venmo @Bruce-RollinsJr.