85.7 F
San Fernando
Friday, Mar 29, 2024

Org Scores Free Party at Bowling Alley

’Tis the season for giving, and Pinz Bowling Center is sparing no expense. The Studio City bowling alley and arcade just wrapped up a promotional contest, offering a free holiday party to one local company or organization. “We just wanted to get everyone thinking about the holiday season early and reach out to the community to see who deserves a complimentary party the most,” said Pinz General Manager Scott Frager. Out of the roughly 20 entries, Pinz selected L.A.-based Thirst Project, a nonprofit devoted to providing purified drinking water to countries without access to it. During the organization’s eight-year history, it has raised approximately $8 million and delivered safe consumable water to more than 300,000 people in 13 countries. “They (Thirst Project) are a really fascinating group of young individuals, who are looking to help save the planet with clean water,” Frager said. “It’s a neat added bonus to provide them with a party they normally would not be able to afford.” The party, held Dec. 1, included three hours of bowling for up to 20 guests, who also received free food and soft drinks as well as complimentary arcade access. The estimated value of the seasonal event was $800, according to Frager. Thirst Project was started by Chief Executive Seth Maxwell and seven of his college friends handing out water bottles to bring awareness to the global water crisis. Now the organization travels across the country, speaking at high schools, colleges and assemblies to challenge students to raise funds for the cause. “Right now, there are about 653 million people who don’t have access to basic safe clean drinking water,” Maxwell said. “We are currently building water projects in six countries – Swaziland, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, India and El Salvador.” After learning more about Thirst, Frager said that’s when the contest turned from a promotion into an opportunity. “Their story needs to be told, and we want to help them spread the news about the good work they are doing,” he said. “There are so many great not-for-profit organizations that are located right here in our backyard. So, for whatever extent we can help, Pinz is very happy to work with them.” Pinz has several other ongoing promotions and community-support programs, including “Buy a Party, Give a Party.” For every 10 birthday parties the bowling alley sells, it donates a birthday party to a less fortunate San Fernando Valley family. As for next year, Frager said it’s too soon to tell if the alley will offer the same holiday party promotion, but Thirst Project’s Maxwell remains open to the idea. “I would definitely enter again but would understand if it’s someone else’s turn,” he said. – Stephanie Henkel

Featured Articles

Related Articles