Unique and attractive auction items will be available
at the 2005 Salute to Bowling,
sponsored by Budweiser. The annual
fundraising cocktail party and auction for the International
Bowling Museum will be held on June 29th
at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
This year's auction features many exciting items,
including: 
- A week at a condo in the Cayman Islands
- A NASCAR Race Package featuring garage and
pit passes
- 6 Nights at a Sarasota club home
- An autographed photo featuring members of
the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team
- A Nolan Ryan autographed baseball
- An original Mort Luby painting entitled "Elegance
in Bowling"
- A Gardener's Delight Themed Basket
- A Spa Lover's Themed Basket
and
more!
Tickets
are still available and are $100 each. All proceeds
will benefit the International Bowling Museum
and Hall of Fame and a portion of your ticket
is tax deductible. For more information or to
purchase tickets, contact Jerry Baltz by phone
at 800-966-2695, ext 303; or
by e-mail at jerryb@bowlingmuseum.com.
Tickets are also available through the Bowl Expo
website www.bowlexpo.com.
The
IBM/HF is located in St. Louis, MO, USA. It has
served the international bowling community for
20 years by collecting and preserving its history,
and making that information available to help
promote the sport.
The major fundraiser for the International Bowling
Museum and Hall of Fame moves to Orlando, Florida
this year as part of the International Bowl Expo.
This year's Salute to Bowling, sponsored
by Budweiser, will be held on June
29th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rosen Centre Hotel.
The format will be
the same as the past few years: a casual, yet
elegant cocktail and hors d'oeuvres party with
a live and silent auction. In addition, all attendees
will be eligible to win cash attendance prizes.
This
year's auction boasts many wonderful items: an
original Mort Luby painting entitled "Elegance
in Bowling," a week's stay at a condo on Grand
Cayman Island, six nights in a club home in Sarasota,
Florida, a NASCAR race experience featuring pit
and garage passes, as well as sports collectibles
and more.
It
is now time to purchase $100 tickets to this gala.
All proceeds will benefit the International Bowling
Museum and Hall of Fame and a portion of your
ticket is tax deductible. For more information
or to purchase tickets, contact Jerry Baltz by
phone at 800-966-2695, ext 303;
or by e-mail at jerryb@bowlingmuseum.com.
Tickets are also available through the Bowl Expo
website www.bowlexpo.com.
The
IBM/HF is located in St. Louis, MO, USA. It has
served the international bowling community for
20 years by collecting and preserving its history,
and making that information available to help
promote the sport.
The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame
is pleased to announce that it has received a $50,000
grant from the Reichert Foundation. The gift establishes
the Jack F. Reichert Memorial Scholarship to benefit
underprivileged children. The scholarship will partially
offset the regular program costs for disadvantaged
student groups from schools within the St. Louis
metropolitan area, thus allowing them to participate
in educational programs offered by the Museum.
Jack Reichert was the
former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Brunswick
Corporation. A life-long supporter of the bowling
industry, Reichert was inducted into both the
ABC and PBA Halls of Fame. Additionally, Jack
served as a Museum Trustee for many years, and
as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees from
2000 to 2003.
"We
are honored that the Reichert family has chosen
to perpetuate the memory of Jack in this fashion,"
said Executive Director, Gerald W. Baltz. "Through
the Foundation's generosity, we will be able to
expose hundreds of students annually to our educational
programs and the sport of bowling, who might not
have been able to participate otherwise."
"The
Foundation chose to establish this scholarship
because it combined my father's love for bowling
and his passion for education," said Susan Reichert
Milanak, Executive Director of the Reichert Foundation.
"We are thrilled that we can help the economically
disadvantaged young people of St. Louis, and at
the same time support the Museum."
The
nonprofit IBM/HF, located in St Louis, MO, USA,
has served the international bowling community
for 20 years by collecting and preserving its
history, and making that information available
worldwide to help promote the sport.
The International Bowling Museum's Board of Trustees has approved a Strategic Plan and operating budget that sets the stage for improved fundraising and services to the Museum's visitors.
Two fulltime positions have been added, Director of Development and Director of Visitor Services. The position of Director of Marketing has been eliminated, and ongoing functions assigned to other personnel.
"We already have an excellent and productive staff", said Museum President and Chairman of the Board William T. Scheid, "and these changes are designed to take us to an even higher level of service and financial health."
"I appreciate the Board's confidence in approving this restructuring, including an increase of one fulltime position," said Gerald W. Baltz, the Museum's Executive Director. He announced that Sandy Ellebracht, formerly a part-time supervisor, has been promoted to Director of Visitor Services. Matt Oldani is the new Director of Development, bringing more than ten years of fundraising experience primarily in sports settings to the Museum. Jim Baltz, formerly Collections Manager, has been promoted to Curator and also is now responsible for the Museum's website and computer support.
The IBM/HF, located in St Louis, MO, USA, has served the international bowling community for 20 years by collecting and preserving its history, and making that information available to help promote the sport.
Helping to preserve and exhibit bowling's rich history became a unique opportunity for the members of the Bowling Manufacturers Association-International at their annual meeting this summer, when the membership voted unanimously to make a $5,000 contribution to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.
The twenty members of the trade group, formed in 1985 to further the interests of its members, found themselves in the happy circumstance of surplus funds and decided that this was a unique opportunity to support the industry's sport heritage institution.
Bill Scheid, BMA-I President, said that "the group realized that a gift to the Museum would help strengthen the industry at large, and that certainly is consistent with BMA-I's objective."
"It is very heartening that BMA-I selected our institution to receive this special contribution," said Gerald W. Baltz, the Museum's Executive Director. "I hope other organizations and bowling membership groups in similar unique cash situations will follow BMA-I's lead and see the benefit to bowling of supporting the IBM/HF."
The IBM/HF, located in St Louis, MO, USA, has served the international bowling community for 20 years by collecting and preserving its history, and making that information available to help promote the sport.
Peter B. Hamilton, President of Brunswick Bowling & Billiards, and Vice Chairman of Brunswick Corp., Lake Forest, IL. has been elected to a three-year term on the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame Board of Trustees. The announcement comes from William T. Scheid, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Hamilton heads up the division that operates the retail bowling center, bowling equipment and billiards products businesses of Brunswick Corp. Previously, he served as Brunswick's Chief Financial Officer.
Prior to joining Brunswick in 1995, Mr. Hamilton held key executive positions with Cummins, Inc., the law firm of Califano, Ross and Heineman in Washington D.C., and with the U.S. Navy branch of the Department of Defense.
He earned a bachelors degree from Princeton University and a law degree from Yale. He is married to the former Elizabeth A. Arthur and the couple has two children.
The Museum Board of Trustees elected John B. Walker, President and COO of AMF Bowling Products, Mechanicsville, VA to its Executive Committee. He joins re-elected members William T. Scheid, Ebonite International (Board Chairman), Patrick Ciniello, President Qubica International (Vice President/Vice Chairman), Keith Hamilton, Luby Publishing, (Secretary), Michael Allbritton, Columbia 300, (Treasurer), Joyce Deitch, WIBC, and Robert Gudorf, Classic Products.
The IBM/HF is now in its 20th year of serving the bowling community, and the facility is located in downtown St. Louis, MO.
VIA Bowling Products, Shanghai, China is the newest member of the Annual Sustaining Membership Team at the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame in St. Louis, MO.
Annual Sustaining Members provide valuable financial support to promote and protect bowling's rich history and to help finance the "Smithsonian" of sports halls.
VIA Bowling Products joined the team as a 'Benefactor' at the $10,000 per year level. VIA is a subsidiary of Zhonglu Bowling, one of the hottest and most successful bowling manufacturers to the Chinese market.
The Annual Sustaining Membership Team has grown substantially behind the leadership of Trustee John B. Walker, President/COO, AMF Bowling Products.
In addition to VIA, several industry-related companies have joined the team recently including at the Sponsors Level ($5,000) PepsiAmericas, and Storm Products, Inc. Newly joined at the Associates level ($2,500) are Leading Edge Promotions and the Professional Bowlers Association, and Luby Publishing is new to this category.
At the Consultants level ($1,000) the Hall welcomes International Bowling Industry Magazine.
The Hall always welcomes new contributions and information is available by calling Gerald W. Baltz, Executive Director at 800-966-2695, ext. 304.
It started out as a report from an Egyptian newspaper summarized in a bowling industry newsletter. Now it's the subject of a new exhibit at the International Bowling Museum, thanks to further investigation by Jim Baltz, Curator.
Baltz read the account and began contacting parties that had direct involvement with an important Egyptian archeological dig. What he "uncovered" is fascinating.
In 2002, a team of archeologists from the University of Pisa, Italy found what appears to be a kind of ancient bowling alley at the site called Medinet Madi. At the 300AD dig level, they discovered an interesting open air structure formed by large and very well connected paving stones. They formed a sort of duct, with a square gap at the middle. Two smooth stone balls, one having a diameter of the duct, the other of the square gap, were found with the structure. Baltz reproduced photos from the University of Pisa archives, showcasing the discovery at the entrance to Ten Pin Alley.
Baltz made contact with Professor Edda Bresciani, the Egyptologist in charge of the excavation, who described her colleagues' experiments in trying to recreate how the game may have been played. According to her it likely was a contest of blocking and scoring. "…I think that it could be a game for two players; the victory was to the player whose ball reached the hole first," said Bresciani.
The excavations during the 2002 season at Medinet Madi also yielded some Greek papyri and ostraka (inscriptions on clay, wood, metal or other hard materials), and unearthed a series of roman glass, ceramics, copper house furniture, coroplastic and fayence items.
The Museum collects and preserves the history of bowling and uses its collection to publicize the sport. This is a prime example of doing exactly that for the enrichment of the sport, now and for the future. The IBM/HF is located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, MO, USA.
Bowling this Month Magazine will hold its second annual "The BTM" from February 14 until the conclusion of the ABC Tournament in Reno, NV. As a component of the event, BTM has launched the "Visionary Challenge" and one dollar from each entrance fee will be donated to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame and one dollar to the Young America Bowling Alliance Scholarship Fund.
The entrance fee is $12 per participant, with the overall winner having the opportunity to win a new Ford ZX2 automobile. Competitors on the High Sierra Lanes in Reno will compete for a Caribbean Cruise. Ultimate Bowling Products, Holiday Cruise Lines and Donkee Products are co-sponsors of the challenge.
"As good corporate sponsors, we want to support two of our most important non-profit organizations, the International Bowling Museum and YABA," said Alayne Merenstein-Summerville, publisher of Bowling this Month.
Jerry Baltz, Executive Director of the IBM/HF said "The Visionary Challenge will help support the preservation of bowling's heritage and the development of its future. All of us at the Bowling Museum thank Bowling This Month for this creative support."
Jim Zebehazy, YABA's Executive Director is glad to be a recipient too. "YABA is thrilled with Bowling This Month's decision to include youth scholarships as part of their event. BTM has become a great partner with YABA through their support for our Junior Gold and Pepsi Championships. This is just another way they have found to show their support and dedication to bowling and to the education of our members."
For information about the Visionary Challenge, contact Jim King, Editor at 1-800-282-7043 or go to the magazine's website at www.bowlingthismonth.com.
The major fundraiser for the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame returns to Las Vegas June 30th. The event, sponsored by Budweiser will be in Las Vegas at the Hilton Hotel for another engagement. Partygoers will experience a nearly totally new look at the event, which is now a major component of International Bowl Expo.
A "Game Show" atmosphere takes center-stage. One lucky guest will be selected in a random drawing to "come on down" and pick a major prize behind one of three hidden doors. Hollywood will have no competitive advantage over Salute to Bowling.
The format will be repeated with a casual, yet elegant cocktail and hors d'oeuvres party showcasing both live and silent auctions.
Again, the Live Auction items will be worthy of the competition.
For instance, one lucky bidder will be able to luxuriate for five nights at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, FL. Expect to be pampered! This package is courtesy of Salute Project Head Pat Ciniello, Qubica USA.
Serious bowlers can bid on the "Kegel Bowling Experience." The high bidder will spend two days at the Kegel Training Center in Sebring, then enjoy two more nights in Orlando at Disney World with all the trappings: hotel, car rental, meals and all courtesy of John Davis at Kegel.
Want more? Then head to Galveston and embark on a seven-night cruise to Key West, the Grand Cayman Islands and Cozumel on the Rhapsody of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruise.
There's more. Terry Brenneman, Bowlers Supply Inc. has offered up his two-bedroom Condo in the Caymans with ocean view for five nights. Al Blough, CHB Sports matched the offer with accommodations for an entire family at the New Jersey Shore for an entire week. John Harbuck, Leading Edge Sports is back with the fabulous NASCAR Pit and Garage passes to the race of choice this summer. New this year will be a raffle on a signed Cardinals' jersey courtesy of their MVP candidate, National League slugger Albert Pujols.
The time is now to get busy and buy $100 donation tickets to this gala. The process is easy. Just call Jim Baer at 800-966-2695, ext 308; e mail to jimb@bowlingmuseum.com or purchase them through BPAA at www.bowlexpo.com.
Bowling is forever, or at least the rental shoes seem to be. They're probably
the most identifiable form of footwear ever created and their design hasn't
changed much over the years.
Fairview Heights, Illinois, photojournalist Bob Fehringer is currently on a
quest in honor of those tony toe holders. Fehringer, a retired US Air Force
photojournalist, places one particular pair of size eights in locations and
situations he believes they'd choose to be in, if they were capable of cognitive
thought!
A few of the resulting photographs are starting to make the rounds of
area bowling centers and art galleries alike. Three of his works were part of the Photogrammar show at the Art Coop in St. Louis in November.
But the highest tribute to all things bowling-related comes when a selection of
Fehringer's bowling shoe photos are displayed in the International Bowling
Museum and Hall of Fame beginning Dec. 1. Everyone is invited to take in the "Metro-east, Size 8, Red, White and Blue Bowling Shoe Tour." Twelve images in the series are currently on display at Allison's Common Scents Shoppe in Belleville, Illinois.
The Museum winter hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and
closed Sundays and Mondays. The exhibit is included with regular Museum admission.
One of golf's most exciting photo exhibits, the Legends of Modern Golf: Photographs by Gerald Sprayregen, drawn exclusively from Sprayregen's book, Power, Passion, Honor & Glory, Five Heroes of Modern Golf, will be on display Sept. 15-Dec. 15th at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in downtown St. Louis.
The exhibit follows five legends of the game-Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Greg Norman and Tiger Woods as they played in the U.S. Open, British Open, Ryder Cup and Masters during the 1998 and 1999 seasons. This magnificent display of sports art is on loan from the United States Golf Association Museum and Archives in Far Hills, N.J.
From 1995 to 1998, Sprayregen traveled across the United States and photographed a variety of sports-from NASCAR to basketball to golf to sumo wrestling. His images are distinctive for their blurred effect, which adds motion and excitement to the composition.
The exhibit takes on a local flavor. St. Louisan Jim Healey has an extensive collection of golf artifacts and some of his favorite pieces will be on display at the Hall as well. Visitors to the Hall will be able to see a leather bag and wooden Niblic club by Robert Foulis, a 1946 Masters contestants badge and other historic golfing items.
The Museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. upon the conclusion of the St. Louis Cardinals season, closed Sundays and Mondays. Presently the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven-days a week. Admission is $6 adults and $4 children (12 and under) and no charge for five and under. For information, call 314-231-6340.
For a week and a half, nearly 2,000 youth bowlers were in St. Louis for the annual Young America Bowling Alliance (Y.A.B.A.) Junior Gold National tournament followed by the Pepsi Cola Junior National Invitational. Nearly every one of those bowlers plus members of their families were able to take part in two key events at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.
On July 13th, the Museum played host to 2,500 bowlers and guests who came for an autograph party prior to the St. Louis Cardinals' game with San Diego. The bowlers met professional bowling stars, had a tailgate party prior to the game then held opening ceremonies on the field at Busch Stadium following the game.
On July 21st, the Museum hosted an open house reception for the 600 Pepsi bowlers and their family members following opening ceremonies for the tournament at Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis. The bowlers and guests enjoyed a buffet supper, bowling, video games and music at the Hall. During the nearly two-week period, the Museum set all kinds of attendance records and record sales in the Museum Store.
Jim Zebehazy, Executive Director of Y.A.B.A. found St. Louis to be 100% suitable to his needs. "St. Louis has been fabulous. The people have been accommodating. Everybody has been courteous and it's been wonderful and not just for the athletes but for the parents as well."
Above all, Zebehazy was particularly pleased with the accessibility of the Hall of Fame. "It was particularly important for our Pepsi bowlers. A lot of them are first time bowlers, first year bowlers, and have never been out of their home state. A lot of the athletes and their parents were not even aware there was a Hall of Fame. By taking them down there, it turned out to be an awesome experience" he said.
Maureen Vicena, Event Coordinator was in agreement. "We've been extremely satisfied. We look at this as a wonderful vacation for the bowlers and their parents. They saw the Museum, they saw the Arch. The centers and proprietors offered us first class accommodations. The parents are most pleased and that's what we are here for," she said. "We wanted a festive city for our families so when they are not competing, they have a lot of things to do. This was a trip of a lifetime for many of these athletes," she said.
The Museum's Executive Director Gerald Baltz was pleased too. "We thank the many visitors who took the time to see our Museum and to learn about the history of the sport. We work closely with the staff of the Y.A.B.A. and welcome their national tournaments," he said.
The Board of Trustees of the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame at its annual meeting in June has elected William T. (Bill) Scheid as President and Chairman of the Board of the Museum. Also elected to the Board's Executive Committee were: Patrick Ciniello, President of Qubica Worldwide as Vice President/Vice Chairman, Michael Allbritton, President Columbia 300, as Treasurer, Keith Hamilton, President Luby Publishing Company as Secretary, and Joyce Deitch, Past President/Life Member, Women's International Bowling Congress, Robert Gudorf, Vice President, Classic Products, and Jack Reichert, Chairman of the Board (Ret), Brunswick Corp as At Large Members.
Scheid is president of Ebonite International, Inc. Hopkinsville, KY. Scheid has been with Ebonite since 1989, and assumed the helm of the company in 1992. Scheid joined the Board of Trustees of the IBM/HF in 1994 and has served on its Executive Committee for seven years. He is a graduate of Indiana University School of Business and holds a Masters in Business Administration from Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. Ebonite International, Inc. is a rapidly growing privately held company that currently services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets both domestically and internationally with consumer and capital products.
In other action, Jack Mordini, American Bowling Congress Assistant Executive Director was elected to a three-year board term running through 2006. Current trustees re-elected for three year terms are: Gudorf, Elaine Hagin, Vice President, WIBC, Hamilton and Scheid. Duncan Macpherson, Freehold, NY retired from the board after serving with distinction for six years.
The Board is the governing body of the IBM/HF, and the members come from across the nation and around the world. The Board is responsible for the fiscal health of the not-for-profit Museum, as well as the development and approval of the Museum's policies and plans.
The 1950s will be best remembered for a number of notable events and occurrences. Cool jazz was born and rock and roll dominated the musical industry. General Eisenhower was president and the Yankees were kings of baseball. U.S. servicemen returned from combat in Korea and settled in the suburbs surrounding all of America's great cities. The GI's bought sprawling ranch houses and enjoyed recreation at expansive bowling centers, built to fill their needs. The boom in bowling was off and running during that era.
Mort Luby, Jr., 72, retired publisher of Bowlers Journal International celebrates that era with a "retro 50s" painting for the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame 'Salute to Bowling.' Each year, Luby, creates a masterpiece that becomes the focal point of the auction. Last year's original oil painting netted $7,000 for the Hall. This year's mega-fundraiser, sponsored by Budweiser will be held in conjunction with International Bowl Expo in Las Vegas. The gala will be held 6-8 p.m. at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in the city that never sleeps.
Luby decided to change course this year. "I talked with a lot of people in New Orleans (Salute XIII) and they wanted me to get off history and more into a period theme." He gained his inspiration from an old bowling center in Chicago and featured era pieces including a '57 Chevy and a Studebaker. "Those were cars that sold for $2,000 then and collectors will pay more than $50,000 today," he said.
Luby is an accomplished painter who works principally in oil on archival grade canvas. He has won more than four dozen important awards and has been featured in one-man shows in banks, hospitals, galleries and other major venues. A member of the exclusive Chicago Palette and Chisel Academy, his best work is displayed in private and corporate collections in Japan, Singapore, Germany, Denmark, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Canada and Switzerland. "When I retired (nine years ago) I needed something to do and it became my avocation," he related.
Tickets to the Salute gala at $100 apiece are on sale by contacting Jim Baer, Marketing Director of the IBM/HF at 800-966-2695, ext 308, by e-mailing jimb@bowlingmuseum.com or going to the BPAA website at www.bowlexpo.com.
The ABC Tournament at the Knoxville Convention Center is the location of the Museum's exhibit celebrating 100 years of tournament history. Special thanks goes to Brian Lewis, ABC Tournament Director who made this location available to the Hall. The exhibit will be on display until June 30th.
Some of the exhibit highlights include the 1901 delegate pin, the 1909 Pittsburgh executive badge, the 1924 tournament championship badge, the 1936 souvenir ticket, the 1914 New Haven championship team photo and much more.
Other items include the 1901 tournament schedule, the 1902 team championship medal won by the Fidelia team of New York, the ball Billy Knox used to role the tournament's first 300 game in 1913. Also included is Joe Bodis' ABC Hall of Fame induction plaque, a number of rare photos, medals trophies and printed items. The exhibit also features Mike Aulby's bowling shirt, Bill Doehrman's 100,000 pins in the ABC tournament trophy (first to break the 100,000 pinfall mark), 1956 Falstaff team championship trophy led by Bill Lillard who was the first bowler to ever win four titles in the same ABC tournament, and Don Carter's 1961 Masters' championship watch.
Interest for 'Salute to Bowling' the industry's only fundraiser for the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame is definitely building as the date of Wednesday, June 18th approaches. This year's gala cocktail party and live and silent auction will be held in conjunction with International Bowl Expo, the main tradeshow for bowling at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Budweiser sponsors this event again, and proceeds benefit the only bowling museum in the world. "Our Salute committee has been working very hard to make sure we sell a lot of tickets and have quality auction items for sale," said Pat Ciniello, President of Purrfect Score and Qubica, and chairman of the Salute event.
So far, more than 500 tickets have been sold to individuals and companies mainly related to bowling and orders are constantly flowing in from proprietors who are planning to attend IBE. Also, more than 50 quality auction items have been gathered, including three unique items for the "live" portion of the auction. The three live auction items include a five-night use of an ocean-front condominium in the Cayman Islands, two pit and garage passes to the NASCAR race of choice this season and a weekend-tour of the town in St. Louis July 11-12-13.
Museum Trustee Terry Brenneman, owner of Bowler's Supply, York, PA, graciously donated the condominium. Ciniello and John Harbuck of Leading Edge Promotions, Atlanta teamed up to offer the NASCAR passes. The St. Louis weekend on the town includes private screening and box seats to the Cardinals Saturday night July 12 game with the San Diego Padres, accommodations at the fabulous Westin hotel, unlimited limousine service, tickets to the Muny Opera performance of 'Showboat,' dinner at Mike Shannon's Steak and Seafood restaurant and many other attractive amenities. The guests who purchase this package will see the Cardinals up close and personal during the Cardinals' batting practice and will visit the broadcast booth and meet Cardinal players.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the event and to donate to the sports auction. Tickets are $100 and can be ordered by contacting Jim Baer at 800-966-2695, ext 308, by e-mailing to jimb@bowlingmuseum.com or going on line to www.bowlexpo.com.
Salute to Bowling, the major fundraiser for the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame has become an integral part of International Bowl Expo, (IBE), the industry's major tradeshow of the year. This year, Salute is sponsored again by Budweiser and will be held Wednesday, June 18th at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
The format will be a casual yet elegant cocktail and hors d'oeuvres party complete with a silent and live auction. This year, the live auction has been greatly expanded and to date features three major items. Those are: a five night ocean front condominium in the Cayman Islands, Pit and Garage Passes to any NASCAR race of choice this summer and an all-expense paid "Meet Me in St. Louie Hall of Fame" package.
Bowling Museum Trustee Terry Brenneman, owner of Bowlers Supply, Inc., York, PA, has graciously donated the condominium.
The popular NASCAR racing passes were donated by John Harbuck of Leading Edge Promotions, Atlanta and arranged by Pat Ciniello, CEO of Qubica and Purrfect Score, Bonita Springs, FL. Ciniello is back as chairman of Salute to Bowling.
Other committee members in 2003 are Barry Chapman, proprietor, Bowl 300, Conroe, TX; Bill Scheid, President, Ebonite International, Hopkinsville, KY; Dennis Fanucchi, General Manager, Granada Bowl, Livermore, CA; John LaSpina, Owner, Maple Family Centers, Brooklyn, NY; and Robert Gudorf, Vice President, Classic Products, Fort Wayne, IN.
The "Meet Me in St. Louie" package includes airfare for two on Southwest Airlines, a two-night stay at the fabulous Westin Hotel, dinner at Mike Shannon's Seafood and Steak Restaurant, tickets to the Muny Opera production of 'Showboat', weekend-long limousine service courtesy of Callico's Formal Limousine, a private screening and box seats at the Cardinals' home game July 12 versus San Diego and a host of other attractive items.
Tickets are $100 (tax deductible approximately $45) and can be ordered online at www.bowlexpo.com or by calling Jim Baer at 800-966-2695, ext. 308 or e mailing to jimb@bowlingmuseum.com.
The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame is pleased to announce a new photography exhibit featuring five of the legends of golf at the Bowling Museum this coming September through November. This temporary exhibit of golf photography is on loan from the United States Golf Association in Far Hills, N.J.
The exhibit, Legends of Modern Golf: Photographs by Gerald Sprayregen will be at the Hall Sept. 15 through Dec.15 and features Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Greg Norman and Tiger Woods.
The photographs are drawn exclusively from Sprayregen's book, Power, Passion, Honor & Glory: Five Heroes of Modern Golf, published in 1999.
The exhibit follows these five golfers as they play in the U.S. Open, British Open, Ryder Cup and the Masters, among other tournaments, during the 1998 and 1999 seasons. The images capture the essence of these individuals both on and off the course.
"We are honored and thrilled to have such outstanding photographs on display this fall at the Museum," said Gerald Baltz, executive director. "The exhibit will be attractive to golf fans, photography buffs and sports fans in general," he said.
The IBM/HF preserves and protects the history of bowling and use its collection to publicize the sport. The 50,000 square foot facility also houses the St. Louis Cardinals' Hall of Fame.
The International Bowling Museum is proud to announce the re-launch of its website.
The website, bowlingmuseum.com has experienced a complete 'face lift' and is now much more reader friendly, more colorful and features more information with many new photographs of the Museum's various exhibits. The site certainly is much easier to 'navigate' and has the look and feel of a 21st century product.
"We listened to comments from our patrons and board trustees for several years and incorporated many of the best ideas we heard," said Gerald Baltz, executive director of the Hall.
For instance, in the past, there was virtually no information on how to make a donation to the Hall. There's now a hot button for Financial Support for the Hall.
Making education reservations on line and finding out information about 'after hour' events just became much easier to find.
Touring the Museum and looking at a number of exhibits is now just a click away.
On November 6, 7 and 9, the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame gained the national spotlight as the History Channel aired a one-hour special "Stories from the Hall of Fame: Bowling."
The four "stories", selected by the production company, featured Andy Varipapa, Dick Weber, Mark Roth and Pete Weber. PBA star Parker Bohn III hosted the show, introducing each segment and making transitions throughout the hour. Hall of Fame writer Chuck Pezzano and Museum executive director Gerald Baltz delivered factual information and commentary about each featured bowler and the historical context in which they achieved stardom. Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia and PBA star Bob Learn Jr. also added commentary, and told the story of the 300 game.
The show was part of a series of shows that also featured hall of famers from baseball, hockey, golf and tennis. Jack Raybin of the History Channel's production company Black Canyon commented that "The bowling people were by far the nicest, most cooperative people we have worked with. It was a real pleasure to do this show." The IBM/HF had a significant role in the production, providing video clips, photos and other historical information in support of the show.
Nearly 1 million households tuned into the three national broadcasts with the first broadcast on November 6th drawing more than 503,000 households.
The IBM/HF preserves and protects the history of bowling and uses its collection to publicize the sport. The 50,000 square foot facility also houses the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum.
The International Bowling Museum's new donor program for individuals committed to preserving the 5,000-year history of bowling was a success in its initial year. The Heritage Society welcomed 35 members in 2002. Members joined at three levels: Fellow ($1,000), Curator ($2,500) and Chairman's Council ($5,000).
"The Museum is very pleased that 35 individuals joined our Heritage Society in its first membership year, a great beginning for this group," said Board Chairman Jack Reichert. Most encouraging is the fact that seven joined at the Chairman's Council $5,000 level. They are: William Chrisman, Storm Bowling Products, Brigham City, UT, Patrick Ciniello, Bowling Management Assoc., Bonita Springs, FL, Joyce Deitch, WIBC, Las Vegas, NV, Daroll Frewing, US Bowling Corp., Chino, CA, Gerald Graham, Scottsdale, AZ., Remo Picchietti, Bannockburn, IL. and Jack Reichert, Brunswick Corp., Lake Forest, IL.
The Heritage Society membership has come primarily from its expected target group: current and retired industry executive and proprietors, as well as hall of famers and others who are deeply involved in bowling. Participants receive various public and personal recognitions of their membership, including a distinctive lapel pin with a precious stone. A special semi-annual newsletter for members focuses on behind-the-scenes stories about the Museum's collections and the sport's fascinating history.
"The Heritage Society members play a vital support role for the Museum's efforts to collect and preserve bowling's history and use that material to publicize and promote the sport today", said Society committee chairman Remo Picchietti. "I'm looking forward to growing the membership in 2003 from those countless individuals who have benefited from bowling and now wish to help preserve its past and insure its future."
For more information about joining the Heritage Society in 2003, contact the Museum at 800-966-2695 or by writing to IBM/HF, 111 Stadium Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63102.
James Baltz was recently named Collections Manager at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame. The Collections Manager is responsible for cataloguing, preserving, storing and accessing the Museum's photos, archival materials, books and objects.
Baltz holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of Oregon and previously worked assisting the curator at the Bowling Museum. Baltz recently facilitated an education program called "History and Community" for the Missouri Historical Society, which brought insights into local St. Louis history for children in grades 7-9 in the St. Louis public middle and high schools. He also worked at the City Museum in visitor services.
Terry Brenneman, Owner, Bowler's Supply, York, PA; Ruth Macklin, Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Bowl America, New York, NY; Jerry Ray, Chairman and CEO, Family Sports, Inc., Austin, TX; and John R. Sommer, Owner, Don Carter Lanes, Rockford, IL have been elected to the Board of Trustees of the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame. Their terms run through the summer of 2005.
The board is the governing body of the IBM/HF, and the members come from across the nation and around the world. The board is responsible for the fiscal health of the not-for-profit Museum, as well as the development and approval of the Museum's policies and plans.
Terry Brenneman got into bowling in 1958 and joined an adult league in 1960. An avid bowler today, he's involved in a variety of positions with the BPAA. Brenneman owns four bowling centers and has expanded his business to become one of the leading wholesalers in the country.
Ruth Macklin had a lengthy career in education and retired as a headmistress of an independent New York school. She was heavily involved in bowling even during her educational career. Her involvement in the Bowling Proprietors Association of America continues a family tradition and she holds several positions in the BPAA today.
Jerry Ray runs Family Sports, Inc. in Austin, TX and has participated in 28 American Bowling Congress tournaments. He has held numerous positions in the Texas Bowling Centers Association and a variety of others bowling organizations and is a board member of the Texas BA and a member of the Austin BA Hall of Fame.
John Sommer is co-founder and Chairman of the Board of the Professional Women's Bowling Association and involved in the family-owned Don Carter Lanes. He founded the Youth of Northern Illinois Bowling Foundation 12 years ago.
"These four individuals will enhance an excellent board with their knowledge, experience, influence and generosity. They will help us maintain the IBM/HF's deserved reputation as one of the best sports heritage institutions in the world," said Jack Reichert, the Hall's Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
After 12 years, the 'Salute to Bowling' took on a whole new format and ended up in a brand new city. More than 650 guests (a new attendance record) mingled and mixed at a gala cocktail party in New Orleans hosted by the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame with assistance from the Bowling Proprietors Association of America. Budweiser was title sponsor, assisted by Southern Eagle Distributors of New Orleans.
Pat Ciniello, president of Qubica USA and chairman of the Salute to Bowling Committee of the IBM/HF board of trustees pronounced this year's 'Salute' a big success. "We had a lot of proprietors and other people in bowling chip in and give us a hand. We were able to raise about $100,000 for the Hall, and all of our guests had a terrific time. We are making plans to take our show to Bowl Expo in Las Vegas next June. We are very grateful for all the participation and assistance we received from the bowling industry in general."
The bidding was fast and furious for the majority of the nearly 100 auction items. John Davis, president of the Kegel Company, Sebring, FL was high bidder at $7000 for the oil painting created by Mort Luby Jr., publisher emeritus of Bowlers Journal International.
Leading Edge Promotions donated pit passes for the live auction to the NASCAR Daytona 500 race in 2003, and Darroll Frewing, owner of US Bowling, Chino, CA was high bidder at $6,500. All together, the silent and live auctions netted almost $40,000.
Another highlight of the evening was the 'Half for the Hall' promotion. Joe Fazek, proprietor from Barberton, OH and president of the Ohio BPA won a shade under $7,000 in the random drawing.
The Salute Committee thanks all of the volunteers who administered the event. Volunteers from the BPAA staff, the Bowl Expo Committee, the St. Louis Women's Bowling Association and the New Orleans Zodiacs provided the manpower to run 'Salute to Bowling.' Barry Chapman, proprietor of 300 Bowl, Conroe, TX was a superb master of ceremonies.
Special recognition goes to those in the industry who served on the 'Salute to Bowling' committee: Chairman Pat Ciniello, and his team of Michael Ducat, Cypress Lanes, Winter Haven, FL; Dennis Fanucchi, Granada Bowl, Livermore, CA; Robert Gudorf, Classic Products, Fort Wayne, IN; John LaSpina, Maple Family Centers, Brooklyn, NY; and Bill Scheid, Ebonite International, Hopkinsville, KY.
