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The owners of Fort Myers-based Bowland and HeadPinz bowling centers, Patrick and Lisa Ciniello, were recognized recently at the sport’s national convention for their outstanding support of bowling’s charity for military Veterans – The Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL). The six location chain donated more than $25,000 this year alone to BVL – a record for the chain. The Ciniello’s are credited with raising more than $62,000 total for the charity which provides recreational and therapeutic programs and services for veterans recuperating in VA Medical Centers nationwide. “The Ciniello’s support for America’s troops through BVL has been invaluable,” noted BVL Executive Director Mary Harrar. “I can’t say enough how much we appreciate their leadership for America’s veterans through BVL.” A month-long fundraising effort by Bowland and HeadPinz Entertainment Centers in Southwest Florida resulted in that record-setting company donation. Company founder Patrick Ciniello, himself a veteran of the US Air Force and a dedicated supporter of BVL, spearheaded the campaign. Dubbed “Operation: Brightening Veterans Lives,” the fundraising drive encompassed a wide variety of efforts. The company challenged each of its general managers to create his/her own “campaign” to raise funds for BVL during the month of November. “From simple nightly raffle drawings to more elaborate auctions, nothing was ‘off the table’ when it came to generating donations,” noted Mike Cannington Director of Marketing and Sales. “We are proud to be able to help, but it was our bowlers who made it possible with their support,” Ciniello said. He explained that a number of the bowlers in their centers are veterans and helped build excitement — making the efforts very personal. “To raise more than $25,000 to support the men and women who’ve served our country is very special to me and my team,” Ciniello added. “We are thrilled, but our goal is to increase the excitement, participation and funds collected every year going forward.” Founded in 1942, BVL has been honored by the Department of Veterans Affairs for its long-time commitment to the support of our nation’s veterans. Notes VA Secretary David Shulkin, “Our country’s sacred obligation to fully honor our commitments to our Veterans is deeply personal to me, and I’m particularly grateful to Bowlers to Veterans Link for joining us in their own enduring commitment and noble work for Veterans. Our duty at VA is to give back to the men and women who secured the uniquely American freedoms and opportunities we all enjoy because of the sacrifices they made. BVL embraces that same sense of duty in their wonderful work Brightening Veterans’ Lives, boosting their spirits, and helping speed their recovery. My deep thanks to BVL for steadfastly honoring Veterans’ sacrifices.” BVL is a national 501 (c) (3) charity which is consistently acknowledged for efficient and effective programming delivered with extremely low overhead. BVL has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Charities,” earned a “Top Rated” Nonprofit distinction, and accepted into the Combined Federal Campaign (#93325). For more information, visit www.BowlforVeterans.org. ###