Public invited to Hope Haven Horse Farm fundraiser Jan.29

COATESVILLE -- The Western Bowl, located at 6441 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, will be the place to be from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 29, where supporters of Hope Haven Horse Farm will gather for Bowling for Hope, a Bowl-a-thon and silent auction for the benefit of Hope Haven and its programs for special needs and at-risk residents of Putnam County, Hendricks County and the surrounding areas.

All proceeds will be used to provide therapeutic riding for special needs clients and training sessions in preparation for the Special Olympics Equestrian event, which will be held in September.

Teams of four individuals will bowl. Bowlers can form teams and register together, or an individual can register and be assigned to a team.

Ramp bowling will be available.

Registration is $25 per bowler and includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, pizza and soft drinks. The registration form should be sent along with $25 for each bowler to Hope Haven Horse Farm, 10416 E. U.S. Highway 40, Coatesville, IN 46121 by Jan.15 so that lanes can be reserved for all bowlers.

Chips and pretzels will be available for an additional $2.

"We are asking all bowlers to collect sponsorships, and the sponsor checks are due the day of the event before bowling begins," said Christina Menke, Hope Haven's executive director. "All checks should be made out to Hope Haven Horse Farm. The person bringing in the most bowler sponsorship money will win a horseback riding party, complete with games and food, for 15 people. The party will be held a little later in the spring when the weather will permit."

Local businesses and organizations are being asked to donate items to be used for door prizes for a silent auction. There will be horse, sports-related and lots of other items available at the silent auction.

"You do not have to bowl to participate in the other activities," Menke said. "Come, bid, bowl and cheer the teams on. Door prizes will be randomly awarded during the bowl-a-thon."

To donate items for the silent auction, request a registration sheet for bowling or to find out more about Bowling For Hope, call (317) 641-5716 or 795-6393.

There will be team registration forms and bowling sponsor forms on Hope Haven's website, www.hopehavenhorsefarm.com

"We hope the public is able to come and join us for a fun afternoon," Menke said.

Those who are unable to attend the Bowl-a-thon can make on-line Paypal donations by clicking on the "donate" button. All donors will receive a tax receipt for use at tax time in 2012 and will be listed on the sponsor page of the website.