In The Villages, a community with 54 golf courses and for groups that want to raise money for a good cause, nothing matches a golf tournament. But recently, the Band of Brothers, a group of military veterans in the community, tried bowling as a different option for their second annual bowling tournament at Fiesta Bowl.
A maximum of 32 teams was able to participate. Some extra squads were also ready in reserve, according to President Tim Trebil.
“Though this is a golf community, that bowling alley stays pretty busy, too,” said Trebil, of the Village of Collier.
From entry fees and other games, the Band raised almost $5,500 in the tournament.
“Everything we take in goes to help vets and their families,” Trebil said. He emphasized that their focus is reaching out to veteran brothers and sisters, and assuring that they are cared for, and reaching out to the community.
Bob Sullivan, who chaired the committee for the tournament, was pleased with how every task was accomplished. Sullivan, a resident of the Village El Cortez, said the group opted for bowling because many community members and their families enjoy the sport and because the owners of the Fiesta Bowl are close to members of the Band.
It was overwhelming for everyone. The high scores were rolled by non-band members. Robert Gray was the top scorer with a three-game total of 771, followed by Robert Vega with 703 and Phil Poole with 662, according to Trebil.
Another winner, Merilee Elias, got a separate drawing for a grand prize of $835 in gift cards and other assorted goodies.
“That’s great that they were all community members,” Trebil said. “This was a huge boost for us as they helped us to raise money, so we can help vets,” Trebil said. “We live in The Villages, which is made up of all these diverse communities, and we want them all to know that we’re here and can help.”
That assistance comes in many forms. In some instances, the group directly renders financial assistance, especially to the veterans in hard times. However, the Band is also involved in various other charities. Some of these are Operation Shoebox, which sends care packages to troops overseas; Project Support Our Soldiers, or SoS, a nonprofit organization in the tri-county area that helps homeless veterans and their families living in the Ocala National Forest by providing food, shelter, medicine, and scholarships; and Combat Veterans to Careers, which helps local veterans integrate into the civilian job market.
– Attributed Source, The Villages Daily Sun