‘Fifty and Fabulous’: A Look Back at OCO’s Bowl-A-Fun

FULTON, NY – Oswego County Opportunities is “Fifty and Fabulous” in 2016, and is celebrating throughout the year. As the annual Bowl-A-Fun approaches, here’s a look as some highlights from this popular fund raiser through the years.

2002: A tradition is born, with OCO’s first Bowl-A-Fun
2006: OCO’s then-divisions held a challenge to see which employee teams could win a three-strikes challenge, with honors going to teams from Mental Hygiene and Administration

2009: OCO introduced its “Golden Opportunities” cash raffle as an added attraction on Bowl-A-Fun day
2011: OCO had a birthday party in conjunction with Bowl-A-Fun to mark 45 years of service to the community, with delicious cakes crafted by the agency’s Nutrition Services staff
2013: Emily Bradshaw, then-seventh grader from Oswego who was spearheading efforts to help the homeless, was honorary chair of the “Lucky 13” Bowl-A-Fun, and a collection was held for food and personal care items for those in need.
2014: OCO’s “Retro Bowl” had participants sweatin’ to the oldies and answering 50s & 60s trivia, as well as fun facts about OCO
2015: A life-sized cardboard figure of John Wayne was the mascot for OCO’s “Rodeo Bowl,”and John was auctioned off to the delight of one of the agency’s residential consumers who cast the winning bid for The Duke.

This year’s “Fifty and Fabulous!” Bowl-A-Fun takes place at noon on April 9 at Lakeview Lanes.

Since the agency is celebrating a major milestone, the 2016 Bowl-A-Fun will be a little bit different from previous years.

“We are having just one flight of bowling, from noon to 2:30 p.m. Instead of the second flight, there will be a 50th anniversary party starting immediately afterwards,” said Executive Director Diane Cooper-Currier.

The party is free, but you need a ticket to enter.

Tickets are available at the OCO main office, 239 Oneida St., Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and at the Midtown Plaza office in Oswego, corner East First and Bridge streets, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Folks who come in for the party can enjoy one free game and shoe rental for open bowling, plus pizza and soda.

There will be live music by Camillus Connection and Elvis impersonator Tom Gilbo.

“We’ll have a lottery board drawing, 50-50 raffle – of course! – and other prize drawings throughout the afternoon,” said Development Coordinator Margaret Barclay.

Teams need to register if they want to participate in the first flight of bowling, noon – 2:30 p.m.

Registration is open for five-person teams. Cost per team is $500.

OCO holds this fundraiser every spring to help support its programs and services.

“This year’s focus is on thanking the community, and especially those businesses and individuals who have supported OCO and its mission through the years,” Cooper-Currier said. “Our success in fighting poverty comes through working together to make a difference and change lives for the better.”

Registration and sponsor information is available on OCO’s website, www.oco.org, or by calling OCO at 598-4717.

Did you know? OCO is a private, non-profit agency that touches the lives of thousands of people each year through more than 50 programs operating in more than 80 locations throughout Oswego County.

The agency is celebrating 50 years of service in 2016.

For more information, visit www.oco.org

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