LAKE HAVASU CITY – It’s that time of year again for the Marine Corp League Auxiliary to raise funds for local military veterans. Made up of about a hundred and sixty members in Lake Havasu, it’s a nonprofit that consists of all volunteers with at least 35 to 40 members that attend the meetings. Additionally, the group’s reputation is well known for being top notch as one the most highly structured charities in the community.
Since 2017, the club’s president has been Shannon Lopez. Although not a former veteran herself, she comes from a family full of military backgrounds and history. Both of her parents served, and she is also the spouse of a veteran.
Noticing that many nonprofits of the community use the bowling games as a way to fundraise, Lopez created the very first event for the league auxiliary in 2023. Throughout the years, Lopez says participants of the games have grown and the community’s outreach to support veterans continues to thrive. This year’s setup will have three different games for the players.
Game one will be a one to eight pin with no tap, game two will be a two to nine pin with no tap, and game three will just be regular bowling. The charity game is currently seeking teams of three with an entry fee of $30 per bowler. Payments to play will include bowling shoes and the three games.
There also will be a 50/50 raffle drawing. Two placements will be available to winners. Second place will get a cash prize of $200 while first place will earn $400. Anyone interested in wanting to participate in the fun filled afternoon for a great cause, there is still plenty of time to register.
Signups can be done by calling Lopez at 909-223-4922 or by contacting volunteer Kandius Martin at 928-412-5351. You can also contact them by email at LHCMCLA@gmail.com. All entry fees need to be submitted by the deadline of Tuesday, March 10 or until the charity has 32 teams.
Participants can also pay at the door the day of the event if spots are still available. The fourth annual bowling tournament for the Marine Corp League will be on Saturday, March 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Havasu Lanes and Keglers Pub at 2134 McCulloch Blvd N. All proceeds of the event will benefit the needs of the veterans and their families.
Money raised at events such as these go towards donations to food banks, car payments, eviction preventions, and Toys for Tots scholarships for veteran family members. What president Lopez enjoys the most is seeing the fellowships built within the nonprofit and witnessing the happy moods of the players knowing that they are paying forward to those veterans in need. “I like seeing the smiles and that everyone is getting together as friends,” Lopez said.
