Hello amazing supporters! The NYAAF Bowl-a-Thon Fundraiser is back and better than ever!
Whether you want to help a great cause, support an existing team, or you’re eager to show off those bowling skills, find out more about the Bowl-a-thon here.
The Bowl-a-thon is what allows NYAAF to continue our vital work. It’s the event that keeps NYAAF’s services available to those who need it most. That’s why we need your help!
This year, we’re aiming to break Bowl-a-thon records & raise an amazing $100,000! Will you help us achieve that goal?
We’ve compiled this handy list of FAQs, but if you have additional questions feel free to reach out to us, so we can get you bowling! Click the jump to read more.
When is the Bowl-a-thon and where is it?!
This year we’re back at Bowlmor Chelsea Piers (Pier 60) at 23rd Street & West Side Highway on Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 1:30 – 4:00 PM!
I want to support NYAAF, but I live outside of NYC/have an emergency root canal on the 26th, BOO!
Not to worry! Being present at the actual Bowl-a-thon is not necessary – we have lots of “virtual bowlers” every year! While we’d love to have every fundraiser bowl with us, there are always lots that can’t make it, but do an amazing job raising funds. This goes for “virtual teammates”, too!
At its core, the Bowl-a-thon isn’t about how many pins you knock down, but how much you can help raise for abortion access. If the passion to support NYAAF is there, the bowling is just a bonus!
Do I need a team to bowl?
We’re all about getting bowlers out there having fun and raising funds! So while we encourage teams, individual bowlers are welcome too! Just register here, and choose “Participate individually”. At the event, we’ll match you up with a great team! You can also reach out to Sarah Rosenthal at Sarah.Bowl@nyaaf.org to help get matched up in advance!
How do I form a team?
If you’ve already signed up, now you need teammates! What’s worked best for us is thinking “who do I know that supports abortion access?” and simply put the ask out there. You’d be surprised how many people might be eager to join your team (or donate)! We suggest sending a personal message to ask potential teammates directly. Team members can register here, where they can choose your team from a drop-down menu.
What if I don’t know what to name my team?
Team names are nothing to worry about and all about fun! If you haven’t found the perfect name yet, you can choose a temporary name and change it at any point. Perhaps this punny bowling team name site can provide some inspiration? Also keep an eye out on the #NYAAFbowl15 tag on Twitter – watch for awesome name ideas (and other tips) as we rev up for this year’s event!
What if I can’t find enough team members?
Our team limits are 8 members, but that doesn’t mean that you need an 8-member team. Keep in mind that recruitment can be a gradual process. You can also get in touch with us if you’d like help in finding people to join your team. We’re happy to link two teams together to make bowling magic happen! For more info on this, contact Sarah Rosenthal at Sarah.Bowl@nyaaf.org.
How do I choose a fundraising goal and what if I don’t reach it? What if I exceed it?!
Here’s the thing about Bowl-a-thon goals: they’re entirely up to you! Most people choose an amount between $100 – $300 initially, and then increase their goal if they exceed it. Like team names, you can edit your goal at any time, and it’s common to find yourself increasing your goal as you go!
There are no penalties if you don’t meet your goal. However, every dollar helps, so shoot for the stars!
My Aunt Sally doesn’t use the computer and can’t donate online. How do I log cash or check donations?
Great question! We ask that all bowlers log all donations on their individual fundraiser page so we can most accurately keep track of donations and make sure your team gets credit for them. To log cash or check donations you receive, simply log in to your participant page at the Bowl-a-thon page and click the “Donations $” tab to “Record Offline Donations.” As a friendly reminder, any check donation must be made out to “New York Abortion Access Fund.”
If you choose to host a house party or bar event to raise funds for your team (more on this later!), this is how you enter the funds raised! We will collect the cash and checks on the day of the Bowl-a-thon.
Feel free to share this post with your teammates, friends, and anyone interested in the Bowl-a-thon and as always, reach out to us at NYAAFbowlathon@gmail.com if you have any questions, ideas or suggestions!
Keep your eyes peeled for more useful emails from us and keep spreading the word about #NYAAFbowl15!