(FREE) Hospice of North Central Oklahoma's 20th Annual Memorial Bowling Tournament
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Hospice of North Central Oklahoma will host its 20th Annual Memorial Bowling Tournament on Saturday, April 5th, at Lucas Lanes in Blackwell. The tournament will feature three bowling shifts, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing through 6 p.m., with cash and other prizes up for grabs.
Each year, the tournament is held in honor of individuals who were passionate about bowling and had a connection to the Hospice organization. This year, selecting honorees was particularly challenging, as the community lost several beloved members who shared a deep love for the sport. To honor their memory, each of the tournament’s three shifts has been dedicated to a different individual, ensuring that multiple families receive recognition and support in remembering their loved ones.
10 a.m. Shift – Bob Costello: Bob bowled for more than 60 years, making lifelong friendships in both Iowa and Oklahoma after moving here in 1982. He believed bowling was a sport where age was never a limitation and competed in many Hospice tournaments. He was especially proud to have been part of the team that won the tournament in 2008. After retiring, Bob joined the Senior Citizens League and cherished his Tuesday afternoons at Lucas Lanes.
2 p.m. Shift – Donna Logan: Donna was a dedicated bowler for the SW Cupids team. She had a natural gift for making friends and was deeply loved by her family and community. Known as a devoted grandmother, mother, and sister, she was one of the most selfless people anyone could meet.
6 p.m. Shift – Peggy King: Peggy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Known for her radiant smile and kind heart, she was an avid bowler who loved traveling to tournaments, including the prestigious Queens Tournament, where she built lasting friendships. She was one of seven siblings, including her twin brother Ricky, and cherished family trips to Colorado and Kansas. Peggy was a constant supporter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always a bright and joyful presence in the crowd. She is deeply missed and loved beyond measure.
The tournament follows a five-member team format, with each team selecting their preferred playtime. Entry is $100 per team or $20 per individual, and each team will bowl three games. Scores will be calculated based on the bowler’s current average as of entry, with handicaps factored in. Players must arrive 30 minutes before their start time; late arrivals will begin at the current frame in play and will not receive points for missed frames.
Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, with winners announced the following week via the Hospice of North Central Oklahoma’s Facebook page. Additional prizes include awards for High Game Scratch, High Series Scratch, High Game Handicap, High Series Handicap, and a Perfect 300 game.
New this year is an award for the team with the most spirit. The Team Spirit Award was inspired by the joy that so many teams take in cheering each other on, making team shirts, and just having a blast together. "This tournament isn't your average day at the lanes—it's exciting! We wanted to give teams a reason to step up that team spirit even more. We've got a couple of scouts at each bowling shift who will be watching teams, looking for high energy, team support, and overall flair!" explained Amanda Doran, Chief Executive Officer of Hospice of North Central Oklahoma.
Bowlers will also have the chance to participate in raffles, including a drawing for a new bowling ball donated by Lucas Lanes and a 50/50 cash pot.
"With this being not just a fundraiser but also a memorial event, our biggest hope is that the bowling community will come together and honor the memory of Bob, Donna, and Peggy," said Doran. "We will be raising funds that day to support the community bereavement programs we offer such as support groups, children's grief services, and the We Honor Veterans program. These funds are also crucial to our mission of providing exceptional end-of-life care to anyone in our community who needs it without ever billing our patients, even if they have no insurance and do not qualify for Medicare. Each of this year's honorees has a connection to Hospice of NCO, and their families believe in the importance of what we do. I am very grateful to these families for allowing us to celebrate their loved ones while bringing people together to have a great time."
The registration deadline is Monday, April 1st. For more information, visit Hospice of North Central Oklahoma on Facebook (@hospiceofnco) or online at hospiceofnorthcentraloklahoma.org.
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