LYNNWOOD — Lynnwood firefighters want you to throw a few balls down the lane for a good cause.
They’re planning a bowling fundraiser on Tuesday night at Lynnwood Bowl & Skate. Proceeds from the event will go toward buying swim lessons for underprivi
leged kids.
It’s the first “Day at the Beach” fundraiser for the firefighters’ Local 1984, said Dave Matthews, a firefighter and paramedic in Lynnwood.
The bowling alley’s manager, Larry Matlin, approached the firefighters and asked them to come up with an idea for a community outreach program, Matthews said.
The crews thought about the kids they see lining up near Fire Station 15 for the new aquatic center. They decided to help fund swim lessons for kids who couldn’t afford them. They’re finding the kids through community groups.
“It’s a nice privilege in life,” Matthews said. “I think if other kids get to do that, it’s pretty cool too.”
Matlin said he liked the idea immediately.
People are encouraged to wear beachy outfits to the shindig, such as Hawaiian shirts and board shorts, Matthews said. About 20 off-duty firefighters will split up among the lanes to bowl with people who come out.
There will be a raffle with prizes such as oil changes and beauty treatments, Matthews said.
“A whole bunch of local businesses, small and large, are sponsoring this,” he said.
He can’t wait to see a line of kids outside the aquatic center and know that some of them could be there because of the fundraiser, he said.
“The pool is cool enough that all the kids around here should just get a chance to go play in it, but beyond that, this is a life skill,” he said. “What really geared this whole thing up is life skills. Everyone should know how to swim.”
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
Show up Tuesday to bowl
Bowl with Lynnwood firefighters to raise money for swim lessons for kids.
Either 6 to 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Lynnwood Bowl & Skate at 6210 200th Street SW.
Cost is $10 per person, including shoes, or $25 for a family of three, and $8 for each additional family member after that.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.