About 450 people participated in SuperBowl-A-Thon XIII, which was held at the AMF Bay Shore Lanes in Santa Monica on February 6.
One of the highlights of the fundraising event was a bowling match between Santa Monica Police Chief Timothy Jackman and Fire Chief Jim Hone. The idea of the match came from the historic match that occurred on the Santa Monica Pier on January 17, 1917, between then Santa Monica Mayor Samuel Berkley and Chief of Police Fred W. Ferguson. That match was part of the opening night ceremonies for the Charles Looff family’s Santa Monica Alleys on the Pier and the winner of the match received a trophy while the loser got a bottle of catsup.
The SuperBowl-A-Thon wanted to honor that historic night because the Pier’s Centennial Celebration will be celebrated on September 9, 2009. Hone ended up winning the match with a score of 140 points and he received a trophy presented by Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser called the “Santa Monica Pier ‘Pop’ Kern Memorial Trophy” while Jackman received a bottle of catsup. The trophy honors the memory of three-time United States Bowling Champion Martin “Pop” Kern who had managed the bowling alleys on the Pier.
Bowlers from various Santa Monica businesses, social service groups, local government groups, and local youth all participated in the event.
Coalition Chairman, John Maceri, who is also the Executive Director of OPCC told the Mirror the event is “a community builder because it brings together all segments of the community on the issue of homelessness.”
Maceri stated homelessness is on the rise on the Westside due to the downturn in the economy. They are seeing more homeless families who have lost their homes due to foreclosure and job loss.
Funds from the SuperBowl-A-Thon go to the Coalition as a whole and will help fund food, hygiene supplies, transportation and other services needed by the homeless.
Literature from the Coalition states they are “an alliance of over 30 organizations, public agencies and faith communities committed to ending hunger and homelessness through service coordination, public education and advocacy.”
The event had a number of sponsors. First Federal Bank of California was the “Perfect Game” title sponsor for the sixth consecutive year, and CapitalSource Bank, The Lobster, Morley Builders, Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Santa Monica Police Officers’ Association were ”Strike” sponsors. The 2009 “Spare” level sponsors were: Harding Larmore Mullen Jakle Kutcher & Kozal, LLP; Kaiser Permanente; Le Merigot, a JW Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa; Pacific Park; and Venice Family Clinic.
Prizes will be awarded to the winners of the SuperBowl-A-Thon XIII in March.
