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2008
"Hitters and Splitters" Bowling
Event
More than 100 father/son tandems participate
8.03.08
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You could feel
the excitement charge through the entire bowling
alley as it began to fill for the 3rd Annual
Hitters and Splitters Father Son Bowling event
on August 3, 2008. Many of the fathers and sons
with Down syndrome have attended every year
and they arrived with an expectation of a memorable
night.
The Brunswick Lanes in Chesterfield
hosted the event for the third year in a row
and all hands were on deck for a fantastic
night. The over 60 volunteers were anxiously
awaiting the arrival of the 120 families.
All forty lanes were filled with father son
groups ranging in age from 4 years old and
up. The bowling was the focus of the night
but there were plenty of other activities
happening around the bowling alley to keep
everyone entertained.
For the first time, the
arcade was open. People were able to come
in and enjoy a game of air hockey or take
their turn at some competitive basketball.
Recent Hollywood Walk of Fame inductee, Mickey
Carroll, one of the last surviving munchkins
from the Wizard of Oz, was present to sign
autographs and take pictures with the boys.
The memories of the evening
were captured by Lace Images as they took
candid shots throughout the night as well
as the traditional father son photo that everyone
receives. There was a magician and balloon
artist that traveled the room entertaining
everyone. Some of the boys were spotted with
eye-catching balloon creations ranging from
Fredbird to an alien sitting on top of their
head.
Once again, the annual auction
offered a variety of items. The hot items
included Albert Pujols signed memorabilia
and several trips to places like Florida and
New Orleans. A baseball signed by 18 Baseball
Hall of Fame players was also a big hit. All
together, the auction brought in over $5,500
to continue to support the work of the Pujols
Family Foundation.
No one ever leaves the event
hungry. Imo's Pizza once again provided lots
of pizza to keep everyone satisfied. Once
dinner was out of the way, it was on to dessert
and there were several options. Cold Stone
Creamery provided vanilla and chocolate ice
cream cones, Pujols 5 Westport Grill offered
up tasty brownies and McAlister's Deli came
through with their signature big cookies.
The Father Son Bowling event
is one of the highlights throughout the year
for the Pujols Family Foundation and especially
for Albert Pujols. It is his opportunity to
visit with all the sons and to connect with
the fathers. Unfortunately, a late scheduling
change for the St. Louis Cardinals moved the
game to the evening and Albert was unable
to attend. Although he was missed, everyone
was able to watch Albert in action on the
TVs throughout the bowling alley and cheer
for their hometown Cardinals.
As in years past, the night
flies by so fast that no one can believe that
it is time for the bowling alley to clear
out again. However, on their way out each
son received a gift bag full of all kinds
of goodies including two tickets to a St.
Louis Cardinals game, an Albert Pujols baseball
bracelet, a CD from Kent Henry Ministries,
the new Kid's Chat book and several coupons
to area stores. Though the best surprise in
the bag was a mini base signed by Albert Pujols.
It was his special gift to all of the boys
that mean so much to him.
Once again it was another
memorable event. Everyone had a great time
and came away blessed. We cannot wait for
next year!
Click
here for photo slideshow
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