ROCKINGHAM — Arts Richmond President Jimmy McDonald took photos as 12 bowling teams enjoyed friendly competition in a fundraiser at Striker’s Bowling Alley Monday night.
The Super Bowl for the Arts attracted so many people that the entire parking lot was full, and the space inside the venue was packed.
“This is our third annual bowling event,” McDonald said. “Having right at a dozen teams fills up every lane, and we like the sounds of everybody having a good time. We have great sponsors. We have lane sponsors and corporate sponsors. We have a list of our sponsors on our website at artsrichmond.net. Every year it’s been great. We get a lot of support.”
While McDonald was uncertain how much money was raised at last year’s Super Bowl for the Arts, the corporate sponsors — whose names appeared on the LED board outside the bowling alley during the games — donated between $250 and $500 each. Lane sponsors donated $50, and had signs with their names and logos hung above their lanes.
“Some sponsors provide teams,” he explained. “There are several groups who have just come on out all three years, a couple of churches. And we have some regulars who are here, who like of support and practice their own game and it’s a good opportunity in several areas. As far as the funding goes, we try to provide visiting artists, we do exhibits throughout the year. We try to help with some type of artist in residence, as well as involvement with the schools.
“And there are various classes,” he continued. “The photography group meets there, Susan Perkins has her arts class, and there are a couple of artist groups who meet there periodically, so the building is serving a good purpose. We’d love to see it busier.”
McDonald said the success of the annual bowling events rests on the generosity of the community in giving its support.
“We like to recognize our sponsors,” McDonald said.
Among them were the City of Rockingham, Southern Builders, Mabry’s Drug and Home Care, Tri City Inc., Swink-Quality Oil and Gas Co., FirstBank, Champion Ford, Sport Cycles, Jimmy McDonald Photography, Stogner Architecture, the Richmond Senior High School Senate, Sociable Art by Susan, E. E. Vuncannon, Pattan’s Downtown Grille, LMO, Freedom Fitness and Creative Cakes by Coggins.
Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @meloniemclaurin.
A woman takes aim as she prepares to bowl a strike Monday in a fundraiser competition supporting Arts Richmond.