During our Community Living Month celebrations, Bill Labadie, a former Special Olympics gold-medal bowler, returned to Bowlerama in Chatham to host his 4th Bowl-a-Thon, after a six-year hiatus. The community of Chatham-Kent rallied around Bill for this inspiring event that showcased the power of inclusion and community spirit.
Bill, practiced tirelessly, and fundraised over the winter to make this event possible. Known for his dedication and passion, Bill was thrilled to see the community’s overwhelming support. Going into this year’s event, he had already raised over $10,000 for Community Living Chatham-Kent from his previous three bowl-a thons.
This year, Bill raised a record-breaking $7,000 and bowled for seven hours straight. The funds raised are earmarked for camp experiences for children who have diverse abilities. This initiative ensures that children have the opportunity to participate in enriching activities, fostering a sense of belonging and community. This was very important to Bill, as these opportunities were not available to him as a child. We are thrilled to see his dreams come true.
Bill Labadie’s Bowl-A-Thon is more than just a fundraiser; it is a celebration of community, inclusion, and the spirit of giving. The event not only raised significant funds but also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to participate and feel valued.
Community Living Chatham-Kent is grateful for Bill’s support, and the overwhelming community support he received. We look forward to cheering Bill on at his next Bowl-A-Thon!