PACC911’s Bowl-A-Rama for Animal Rescue has proven to be a fantastic and much needed fundraiser for the animal community. This one-of-a-kind event, conceived by board member Eileen Proctor, allows the individual groups with limited resources, a chance to raise “big bucks” at no cost to them! All money collected by each group remains with that group! At the same time, PACC911 solicits for sponsorships for the event, thus supporting our Emergency Medical Fund! Together over the past 6 years, over $1 million has been raised to help the animals of our community.

PACC911 is committed to continuing this high-energy event on the first Saturday of August for years to come! In fact, the first Saturday of August is officially Bowl-A-Rama for Animal Rescue Day, as proclaimed by the Governor of Arizona, and the Mayors of Phoenix and Scottsdale.

The goal of Bowl-A-Rama for Animal Rescue is two-fold. Not only is it a much needed fundraiser for the local rescue community, but also an opportunity to raise much needed awareness for important animal issues during the summer heat when it is virtually impossible to conduct outdoor activities. Despite raising over $1,000,000 in its first five years, (over 95% of which went directly to the participating animal welfare organizations, as well as to the EMF Program for emergency veterinary costs for animals in their care) the need for Bowl-A-Rama is greater than ever.

On behalf of the animals that will benefit from 2009 Bowl-A-Rama, we ask you to make your most generous contribution. Help us achieve our goals! Do it for the animals!

For additional information about the Bowl-A-Rama for Animal Rescue, contact Eileen at 602.867.3647.

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View pics from 2007 Bowl-A-Rama HERE
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2006 Bowl-A-Rama PHOTOS MORE PHOTOS
by Debra J. White

On Saturday August 5, 2006 PACC 911 presented the fourth annual Bowl-A-Rama for animal rescue, courtesy of Shea Village Lanes, our many generous sponsors and donors. Without such fabulous community support Bowl-A-Rama wouldn’t be possible.

It’s now official. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Governor Janet Napolitano proclaimed the first Saturday of August as Bowl-A-Rama For Animal Rescue Day. Dignitaries from other cities such as Scottsdale and Paradise Valley also lent their support.

To kick off Bowl-A-Rama, animal lover and county top cop, Joe Arpaio, threw out the first ball. Joe Arpaio may be America’s toughest sheriff but his bowling skills needed polishing. Sheriff Joe pitched a gutter ball. Way to go Joe.

In 2003, Bowl-A-Rama raised $85,000. This year the planning committee upped the ante and set a goal of $250,000. After the balls were back on the rack, the lights dimmed and the crowds gone home, leader of the PACC911 Bari Mears announced that we almost squeezed out our goal. Donations trickled in several days after Bowl-A-Rama. Mears said we raised over $240,000 to save homeless animals in the Phoenix area.

“Whether your contribution was large or small, putting it all together worked,” Mears said. “There are so many wonderful things about Bowl-A-Rama, especially the camaraderie among the groups, the great sense of accomplishment and the wonderful tradition this has become for helping animals. I’m so very proud to be part of this.”

Over 50 animal rescue groups and their supporters were represented in our most extravagant fundraiser ever. Among the participants were Arizona Basset Hound Rescue, the Arizona Animal Welfare League, Arizona Cats, Paw Placement and the MASH Unit of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department.

Bowl-A-Rama has become so popular groups bowl in two shifts, morning and afternoon. All 22 lanes were filled. The relaxed setting allowed groups time for enjoyment, a rare escape from the stress associated with rescue.

Caron Lorber of Mixed Up Mutts said, “It was nice to see everyone in a social setting – doing something fun. Our team had a great time.”

Hilary Brose of Paw Placement participated in every Bowl-A-Rama. “We had a fabulous time. It’s a good way to connect with rescue friends.” Paw Placement was among the top money managers. They raised nearly $30,000. Brose said she expects to bowl again next year.

So did Monique Merola from Arizona Basset Hound Rescue, another returning team. “AZBHR has participated every year and we’ll be back again.”

Prizes were handed out for best cheer and best costume. In the morning session, the cool cats from the Arizona Animal Welfare League took top prize. Best cheer went to the rousing bunch from Amazing Aussies. The MASH unit of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office packed the bowling alley with supporters and won first prize for best cheering section. For our afternoon crowd, Lucky Dog Rescue snagged top prize for their canine costumes. Best cheer went to the boisterous AZ Beagle Rescue. And newcomers to Bowl-A-Rama, Arizona Weimeraner Rescue, took first prize for best cheering section.

Raffle tickets sold like best sellers. The Bowl-A-Rama planning committee secured dozens of neat prizes such as autographed books by popular dog and cat writers, canine/feline artwork, and other clever gifts with an animal motif. The silent auction was also a hit. Prizes included a cruise, a hand crafted dog bed, and fashionable jewelry. All the proceeds benefit animals.

Bowl-A-Rama was made possible by a well-coordinated effort led by Eileen Proctor, the top dog of It’s a Ruff Life Dog Day Care, with help from the Bowl-A-Rama Planning Commitee that included Bari Mears, Cindy Gordon, Rona Love, Deb Goodsell, Kathleen Kordecki, Sandy Mittendorf, Kim Dezelon, Candice Moore, Alicia Keltner and Debbie White, all board members of PACC911 (Phoenix Animal Care Coalition).

We can officially say that BAR2006 raised OVER $240,000! That's almost 15% more than last year! This means that in our first four years, BAR has raised over $675,000!!! And, in the tradition of making sure that as much money as possible goes to benefit the animals that need it, expenses once again were under 2%... closer to 1.5% in fact!

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2005 Bowl-A-Rama RECAP:
As you read about the past years of Bowl-A-Rama, we are referred to as The Pets911 Auxiliary. We are NOW PACC911 and continuing our tradition of bringing the community Bowl-A-Rama!

Success on the Alley's!
By Debra J. White
Aug 10, 2005

The 3rd annual Bowl-A-Rama for Animal Rescue was held on August 6 at the AMF Shea Village Lanes in Phoenix. At least 500 people attended to support over 45 rescue groups and animal shelters. To accommodate so many bowlers there were morning and afternoon shifts. Among the PETS 911 partners on hand were the Arizona Animal Welfare League, Rescue a Golden, Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, Arizona Basset Hound Rescue, and Helping Animals Live On. Bowl-A-Rama's growing role in the rescue community even gained political recognition!

Official proclamations came from Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Mayor Mary Manross of Scottsdale. The County Board of Supervisors added their official declaration as did Governor Janet Napolitano, making the first Saturday of August officially PETS 911 Auxiliary's Bowl-A-Rama day!

The sweeping impact that Bowl-A-Rama has on the rescue community is shared among the PETS 911 Auxiliary partners.

"Bowl-A-Rama raises much needed money during the summer when it's too hot for outdoor events. It's also so nice when all the rescue groups get together, have fun, while raising money for the animals at the same time," said Monique Merola, President of Arizona Basset Hound Rescue. "Bowl A Rama raises much needed money during the summer when it's too hot for outdoor events. It's also so nice when all the rescue groups get together, have fun, while raising money for the animals at the same time."

Hillary Brose of Paw Placement agreed.

"It's one of our major fundraisers. We've participated three years in a row and expect to be there next year." And Bowl-A-Rama is the second largest fundraiser for AZ RESCUE. "It is the best fundraiser I've ever been involved with. It's an absolute gift to have all of the logistics taken care of, leaving the organization with no out-of-pocket expenses," said Julie Seal, founder and president.

Prizes were awarded for best costumes, the best cheers, and the best-designed bowling pin.

Leslie Hans, PETS 911 Auxiliary board member, bid on the pin from Fast Dogs, Fast Friends, Greyhound Rescue. "The minute my eyes saw this bowling pin, I just fell in love with it. The pin is sitting in my living room."
Bari Mears, president of the PETS 911 Auxiliary, and Eileen Proctor, head of the Bowl-A-Rama committee, also created additional opportunities to encourage patrons to part with their money to raise funds for the animals. A fantastic silent auction and a great raffle were also part of the days events! And for the first time, each rescue group was asked to design a special bowling pin, with an animal related motif of course. Participants and spectators bid on the pins, with each group receiving the proceeds from their respective pin. Lastly, official Bowl-A-Rama T-shirts made their debut for $10 apiece!

The PETS 911 Auxiliary plows all the profits from Bowl-A-Rama into the Emergency Medical Fund (EMF), an innovative program that offers financial assistance for sick or injured animals of active groups partnering with the Auxiliary. The EMF is a much-needed program, created by the Auxiliary, and introduced to the community in 2004.

How did Bowl-A-Rama get its start? Top Dog, Eileen Proctor of It's a Ruff Life and board member of the PETS 911 auxiliary, deserves the big bone. In 2003, she had a dream and used her instincts to sniff out a way to fulfill it. Now, Bowl-A-Rama, with the help and guidance of Bari Mears, and a dynamic committee, raises thousands of dollars every year for hundreds of homeless animals.

"I thank Eileen and all the people on the planning committee for such a wonderful job," Mears said. "The energy was high, the camaraderie was awesome, and we're still totaling up the proceeds, which so far exceed $205,000."

A special word of thanks also goes to the event's generous sponsors. Without this fundraiser, many local animals would likely be euthanized and sick or injured dogs and cats get a second chance instead of an uncertain fate. Bowl-A-Rama has carved out a special place in the lives of Maricopa County's needy animals and the many people who care for them. "Bowl-A-Rama is here to stay! We'll be bowling the first Saturday of August, for years to come!"