The Phoenix

Annual Turkey Bowl event feeds 700

- By Marian Dennis mdennis@21st-centurymed­ia.com @MarianDenn­is1 on Twitter

Everyone knows the best part about Thanksgivi­ng is sharing a meal with friends and loved ones.

That’s why Limerick Bowl teamed up with Crossroads Presbyteri­an Church for the fourth annual Turkey Bowl held at Limerick Bowl, 653 W. Ridge Pike. The fun-filled event draws people in each year to enjoy a day of bowling and arcade games, compliment­ed by a home cooked Thanksgivi­ng meal.

“Our whole idea is to offer those that need a place to come, or those that are less fortunate, more of a family environmen­t that most of us get to enjoy. It’s nice to have the games, the excitement, a home cooked meal and just enjoy the day for what it is,” said David Pawson, amission and Evangelism session member with Crossroads Presbyteri­an Church who helps plan the event.

And that’s just what guests did.

Just a half an hour after the Turkey Bowl start time, most of the lanes at Limerick Bowl had been filled with players and hundreds were enjoying their Thanksgivi­ng meals. Guests also had the opportunit­y to indulge in home made desserts made by volunteers and have a family picture taken in front of a scenic fall backdrop.

The festivitie­s and delicious food keep more and more people coming back each year. Last year, the event served close to 500 people. This year, it surpassed that by hundreds, feeding and welcoming about 700 people to the bowling alley.

“We reached out a little bit and more people know about it now. We have a lot of return people coming back, which makes it a little easier,” said Pawson. “We have 707 signed up for the meals today andwe have 151 volunteers helping us today.”

In addition to food and games, each child signed up for the Turkey Bowl received a gift that could be anything from a family game to a new winter coat.

“My favorite part about all this is just seeing all the faces, all the families being happy and the kids running around and enjoying them--

selves,” said Leah Miller, one of the volunteers with Crossroads Presbyteri­an Church. “I coordinate all the volunteers so it’s really great to see all the volunteers too, recognizin­g that they’re being able to do something to give back to the community. It’s some- thing for them too so it’s good all around.”

 ?? MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA ?? More than 700people showed up at Limerick Bowl on Thanksgivi­ng day to enjoy a home cooked meal, games and good company at the 4th Annual Turkey Bowl.
MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA More than 700people showed up at Limerick Bowl on Thanksgivi­ng day to enjoy a home cooked meal, games and good company at the 4th Annual Turkey Bowl.
 ?? MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA ?? The 4th Annual Turkey Bowl held on Thanksgivi­ng at Limerick Bowl, served more than 700people a Thanksgivi­ng meal with the help of 151volunte­ers.
MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The 4th Annual Turkey Bowl held on Thanksgivi­ng at Limerick Bowl, served more than 700people a Thanksgivi­ng meal with the help of 151volunte­ers.
 ?? MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA ?? Volunteers from Crossroads Presbyteri­an Church prepared a smorgasbor­d of delicious holiday treats for guests to enjoy on Thanksgivi­ng during the 4th Annual Turkey Bowl.
MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Volunteers from Crossroads Presbyteri­an Church prepared a smorgasbor­d of delicious holiday treats for guests to enjoy on Thanksgivi­ng during the 4th Annual Turkey Bowl.
 ?? MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA ?? Families enjoyed time together at Limerick Bowl on Thanksgivi­ng day during the 4th Annual Turkey Bowl. The event offered free unlimited games of bowling and a home cooked Thanksgivi­ng dinner.
MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Families enjoyed time together at Limerick Bowl on Thanksgivi­ng day during the 4th Annual Turkey Bowl. The event offered free unlimited games of bowling and a home cooked Thanksgivi­ng dinner.
 ?? MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA ?? Volunteers helped feed more than 700people Thursday at the 4th Annual Turkey Bowl held at Limerick Bowl.
MARIAN DENNIS – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Volunteers helped feed more than 700people Thursday at the 4th Annual Turkey Bowl held at Limerick Bowl.

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