Event raises funds for Alliance for Children
BUTLER TWP — The Butler County Alliance for Children was aiming to raise $20,000 in donations Sunday.
It was the sixth annual Strike Out Child Abuse event, where the organization partners with the Family Bowlaway Fun Center for an all-day event that anyone can attend.
Denna Hays, alliance executive director, said it has always been a success thanks to the almost universal activity that is bowling.
“This is to raise money, but it's also give people a fun day out with family,” Hays said.
The bowling alley was packed with people of all ages, some who came in costume to celebrate the season. Hays said in addition to the donations gathered from people who attended the event, the Alliance for Children also sold sponsorships, which contributed to the money raised. She said many people and businesses in the area have been supportive and generous to child advocacy groups throughout the county.The event was also an opportunity for people to learn about the mission of the Alliance for Children and other local child advocacy organizations.The alliance coordinates child advocacy centers, which are places where child welfare personnel, law enforcement officials, medical and mental professionals, prosecution and victim advocates meet to coordinate responses to allegations of child abuse. The alliance provides services to victims of several different kinds of abuse.Strike Out Child Abuse used to be in April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, but Hays said it got pushed to October last year, where it remained this year and gained a Halloween theme.Every lane in the alley echoed the sound of clunking pins throughout the afternoon Sunday, and Hays said the event was another successful fundraiser for the alliance.“It's our biggest fundraiser,” Hays said. “Everyone can come and just have a fun day.”
