WHERE AS, the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) is a national nonprofit charity that supports America's Veterans and active duty service people through a wide range of recreational therapy programs and services to speed recovery and recuperation, and build community; and
WHERE AS, BVL was founded in 1942 and is the oldest and most successful charity in the sport of bowling; having raised $50 million dollars and counting to provide support to veterans and active duty service men and women; and
WHERE AS, BVL's annual tournament was first introduced in the spring of 1946 is now in its 73rd year serves as a signature event organized by the bowlers of America through BVL the annual Bowlers to Veterans Link and Department of Veterans Affairs Bowling Tournament; and
WHERE AS, BVL also supported the families of those killed during Operation Desert Storm with academic scholarships, and BVL has shipped nearly 600 carpet bowling lane kits to active duty troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and a host of other locales; and
WHERE AS, the annual tournament is an occasion for VA patients to participate in healthy, leisure activity while working to achieve health and wellness goals and ultimately their quality of life, and
WHERE AS, BVL grants provide a wide array of recreational activities as ways to lift spirits, build community, speed recuperation, and improve the morale of military personnel and veterans. These grants also supports veterans recuperating in VA medical centers, VET centers, and state veteran homes; and
WHERE AS, BVL responds to veterans in need - recuperating veterans, veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and aging veterans - giving them an outlet for the joy, freedom, and friendship that recreation and sport can bring; and
WHERE AS, BVL is a member ofthe National Veterans Day Organizing Committee and the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee and part of the "America Supports You" network coordinated by the Pentagon, and BVL is the winner of the Department of Veterans Affairs "Award for Excellence", and BVL representatives have won the "Secretary's Award" — the highest honor from the VA, and BVL is the recipient of the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum's "20th Century Award," touted as a 'major industry success,' and BVL won the Bowling Writers of America 'John O. Martino Award' for 'Outstanding Contributions to Bowling,'; and
WHERE AS, BVL is America's only national sports organization specifically devoted to those who have served our country, and
WHERE AS, BVL has received the Best in America seal of approval by America's Best Charities; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF CHICAGO, that we recognize the outstanding dedication and commitment to our military personnel and veterans made by The Bowlers to Veterans Link, and we wish them much success in the years to come; and be it further
Alderman, 39th Ward
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to The Bowlers to Veterans Link as an expression of our gratitude, esteem and respect.