LEWISVILLE, TX – Ever wanted to bowl alongside a world champion? Ever wanted to help someone in need? You’re in luck… on both counts.

PBA Tour champions Chris and Lynda Barnes and their twin sons, Troy and Ryan – collectively known as the “First Family of Bowling” – are proud to announce their 3rd annual STRIKEoutDiabetes event to be held at AMF Lewisville Lanes on June 2, 2012.

The Barnes Family & Friends STRIKEoutDiabetes is an awareness and fund-raising initiative partnering with Breakthrough T1D to feature a fun day of bowling, silent and live auctions, bowling celebrity appearances and chances to win great prizes – all with a goal of raising dollars for Breakthrough T1D funded research.

“This event is near and dear to us not just because our son suffers from type 1 diabetes, but because we enjoy the great people who come out and bowl with us,” said Lynda Barnes, a member of the World Bowling Hall of Fame. “We’re honored to play a small role in raising funds for Breakthrough T1D, which is truly a remarkable research organization.”

Individuals and companies alike are invited to participate in the event by sponsoring a lane, bowling in the event, fundraising online, attending as a spectator or donating auction items. Lane sponsorships, priced at just $300, include logo placement on the event t-shirts, website and program books, lane signage, and first rights to placing 5 bowlers on the lane. All bowlers are asked to raise a minimum of $100 for Breakthrough T1D, which will earn them a t-shirt and a ticket for a chance at special prizes, in addition to bowling the day of the event.

Last year’s STRIKEoutDiabetes event raised more than $50,000 for Breakthrough T1D. This year’s ambitious goal is to reach $60,000.

“It’s a stretch goal, and it won’t be easy in this economic environment,” said Chris Barnes, 2011 PBA World Champion. “But with the generous support of our sponsors, a team of incredible volunteers and the participation of even more bowling enthusiasts, we’ll get that much closer to finding a cure for juvenile diabetes.”

The event begins at noon, with an amazing trick shot exhibition by the Barnes’ and other pro bowlers, with play starting at 1:00 PM. The event will include three fun-filled games with different formats that make it enjoyable for any skill level. In addition to the live and silent auctions, participants will have a chance at colored-pin prizes and other exciting prize drawings.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Register to Fundraise Online – We invite everyone to participate by fundraising online, whether you can attend the event or not! If you will be bowling at the event, we ask that all bowlers each raise a minimum of $100 for Breakthrough T1D and you email us at STRIKEoutDiabetes@yahoo.com to receive a lane assignment.

Become a Lane Sponsor – For only $300, each sponsor will receive lane signage, logo on the event t-shirt, program and website, the opportunity to include information in guest goody-bags and first rights to place 5 bowlers on your lane. Each bowler will be requested to raise a minimum of $100 for Breakthrough T1D. Lane Sponsorships are limited… Purchase your lane early by completing the Lane Sponsorship Form!

Bowl with us on June 2, 2012 – Individual and Team Bowlers can register to fundraise online and raise a minimum of $100. Each bowler who raises the minimum will receive an event t-shirt, goody bag and one prize ticket, in addition to bowling the day of the event! For every additional $25 raised, the bowler will receive another prize ticket. To bowl with us, Register Online, then send us an email at STRIKEoutDiabetes@yahoo.com to receive a lane assignment.

About Chris and Lynda Barnes

Chris and Lynda Barnes are bowling’s reigning championship couple and both have won the most prestigious titles in bowling. Last January, Chris won the 2011 PBA World Championships, becoming just the sixth player in PBA history to complete the sport’s Triple Crown. He has won 13 tour titles and is one of three bowlers to win both PBA Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors in their career. Lynda is a record 12-time member of Team USA, and winner of the 1998 and 2008 USBC Queens titles and dozens of international medals. She was elected to the World Bowling Writers Hall of Fame in 2007.

The husband-and-wife team reside in Double Oak, Texas, with their twin sons, Troy and Ryan. In 2008, Troy was suddenly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He must take multiple insulin injections daily and test his blood sugar by pricking his finger six or more times a day. While insulin allows Troy to stay alive, it does not cure diabetes.

For more information or to donate to Breakthrough T1D, visit the STRIKEoutDiabetes webpage.

To learn more about the Breakthrough T1D Dallas chapter, visit our Breakthrough T1D Dallas website!