FAIRFAX, Va. – The Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) is keenly aware of, and extremely grateful for, the effort it takes from numerous individuals to raise awareness and funds for BVL. It’s especially noteworthy when that effort comes from today’s youth, so today, BVL would like to recognize the efforts of three such youths.
Youth bowlers Jack Boylan of Three Rivers, Michigan, Alexander Eby of Van Wert, Ohio, and Justin Passaro of Vernon, New Jersey, have brought the BVL cause to the forefront in their communities and helped raise thousands of dollars for the organization. They have gone above and beyond to focus awareness on BVL and have provided an inspirational model for other youths who might want to follow in their footsteps.
“Bowlers to Veterans Link is more than just a charity,” said Nancy Schenk, BVL Chairperson. “It’s a way to honor and connect with our veterans, offering them the healing power of recreation. By involving youth, we create a bridge between generations, teaching empathy, respect and the importance of supporting those who have served. Together, we can bring joy, healing and lasting connections to both veterans and the next generation.”
Boylan, 14, is an eighth grader at Howardsville Christian School and bowls at South Lanes in Three Rivers where he carries a 174 average. He has a high game of 256 and a high series of 701. Boylan combined with Eby to capture the U12 handicap doubles championship at the 2022 Bowling.com Youth Open Championships in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
His motivation for doing volunteer work and fundraising for BVL is simple, but powerful.
“I enjoy raising money for BVL because I want to give back to the veterans who sacrificed for our freedom,” Boylan said.
Eby, 13, is a seventh grader at Van Wert Middle School and calls Pla-Mor Lanes in Coldwater, Ohio, his home center. Eby, who started bowling in league when he was three years old, averages 185, has a high game of 266 and a high series of 701.
He’s a five-time qualifier for the Junior Gold Championships, and, in addition to his aforementioned doubles win with Boylan, was a member of the winning team in the U12 division of the 2024 Bowling.com Youth Open Championships.
Eby has raised more than $9,100 for BVL since 2022.
“I like raising money for BVL because it allows me to use my talents to help others,” said Eby. “I also think it’s important to give back to those that sacrificed to serve our country.”
Passaro, 14, is an eighth grader at Glen Meadow Middle School and lists Rockaway Lanes in Rockaway, New Jersey, as his home center. He is averaging 184 with a high game of 278 and a high series of 694.
Even though he is only an eighth grader, Passaro has already been accepted to the varsity bowling team for his high school and is set to compete at the Junior Gold Championships in Green Bay, Wisconsin, this summer.
For Passaro, who was recently invited to join the Junior Honor Society, the reasons for being involved with BVL strike a more personal chord.
“I wanted to help BVL because I have a lot of family currently in the military along with members that served in World War II and Vietnam,” said Passaro. “I wanted to be able to help disabled veterans get the care and therapy they needed and to give back to those who fought for our country.”
All three young men look forward to more competitive bowling and continuing to raise money and awareness for BVL as part of their future plans.
About BVL
Since 1942, the BVL has remained bowling’s longest-running charity, providing funding to veterans and active-duty military for recreation therapy programs that address the emotional and physical needs of those in need. The BVL is a national nonprofit 501 (c) (3) charity that is consistently acknowledged for providing effective programming — efficiently. For more information on BVL, visit www.bvl.org.