Vancouver-based Big Al’s has used its bowling and family entertainment center as the site for four fundraisers for community causes this year, and more are on the way.
“It’s good for the community first,” said Marketing Manager Brad Lechtenberg. “It strengthens not only the community, but our role in the community.”
This month, Big Al’s partnered with the Firstenburg Loaves and Fishes Center in Vancouver to raise funds for the Meals on Wheels program, which delivers food to homebound seniors.
Through Sept. 21, proceeds from Big Al’s sales of $1 “fish bites” will go to Meals on Wheels. The donors’ names are written on the “bite” and hung on the wall at Big Al’s. And fifty cents from each game bowled during the day of Sept. 17 also went to the nonprofit.
Big Al’s employees have taken an interest in senior citizens’ needs as their senior bowling leagues grow, Lechtenberg said. This summer, the leagues gained 104 members. The company will participate in a larger fundraiser for Meals on Wheels in April.
This year, Big Al’s hosted fundraising events to support Southwest Washington Medical Center’s new breast care center in Vancouver, Portland-based Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and foster children’s programs.
In November, Big Al’s will host a fundraiser for City Team Ministries, which serves the poor and homeless in Portland.
“We want to get involved with a lot of different charity opportunities that we have,” Lechtenberg said. “A strong and healthy community that local businesses take pride in only helps the community in general.”
