ERVING — Turners Falls High School’s Active Bystanders group is looking to make a difference with an upcoming bowling tournament that will raise money to support Ukrainian refugees.
The tournament, which will be held at the French King Bowling Center on Sunday, invites the greater community to sign up in teams of four to participate during 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. time slots. In addition to money raised through the $10-per-person entrance fee, there will be a raffle of local wares and gift certificates, with proceeds benefiting World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides meals in the wake of humanitarian crises.
When looking to organize a service activity, members of the Active Bystanders group drew on what resonated with them from around the world, according to Gill-Montague Regional School District Superintendent Brian Beck.
“For them,” Beck said, “they really felt a little powerless (to help those affected by) the war on Ukraine and all the suffering.”
Beck said involved students then brainstormed fundraisers that would “make it active” for those interested in contributing. They were particularly enthusiastic about the concept of a bowling tournament. French King Bowling Center manager Erik Semb was excited, too.
“When I went to go talk to him, he was all over it,” Beck said of the idea.
Out of 128 spots for individual bowlers to register, roughly 40 had done so as of Wednesday morning, according to Beck. There are 16 lanes reserved.
“If we were to fill all of those spots, that would be $2,000 before even the raffle donations,” Beck noted.
Beck said he expects the community to be universally invested in this cause, acknowledging that some Montague residents have loved ones either in or from Ukraine. He personally cited a handful of specific individuals he knows with ties to the country, but also drew on his daily commutes around town as evidence of people’s concern.
“As I drive around the community, because I live here in town,” he said, “I see people’s (Ukrainian) flags hanging off of houses.”
Those interested in participating in the bowling tournament are encouraged to contact Beck at brian.beck@gmrsd.org.
“It’s not about the competition,” Beck said. “It’s more about pulling together for a good cause.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.