AMF Lewisville Lanes in Lewisville, TX hosted the 4th Annual STRIKEoutDiabetes Bowling Tournament on April 27 raising over $60,000 for type 1 diabetes research! Chris and Lynda Barnes, world famous professional bowlers and parents of a young son living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), created this tournament to raise funds and awareness that will help cure, better treat, and ultimately prevent T1D. This annual bowling event continues to attract enthusiastic participants and increase the amount of funds raised each year. This year, the tournament hosted over 250 participants and volunteers. Additionally, the event had an impressive line up of Chris & Lynda’s fellow professional athletes and bowling friends such as; Jesse Buss, Tyson Branagan, Dino Castillo, Casey Slaughter, Chris Drewes, Stefanie Nation, Clara Guerrero, Tennelle Milligan, Kim Terrell-Kearney, Rod Ross, Susie Minshew, and Mike Dobbyn.
STRIKEoutDiabetes is more than a one-day bowling tournament; it is a nationwide effort embraced by the bowling community to support Breakthrough T1D and T1D research. Bowling continues to grow as a family sport for all ages, and this event showcases the fun that Bowling offers to every age and skill level. The event activities included silent and live auctions, prize drawings, trick shots, colored pin strike prizes, and terrific bowling. Tournament supporters sponsored bowling lanes and each player generously raised a minimum of $100 with all funds benefiting the Breakthrough T1D Greater Dallas Chapter.
The Barnes Family, in conjunction with the Breakthrough T1D Greater Dallas Chapter launched STRIKEoutDiabetes in November 2009 to highlight National Diabetes Awareness Month. Since the first year, STRIKEoutDiabetes, thanks to the efforts of bowlers and bowling centers all over the country, has generated over $240,000 for Breakthrough T1D funded research!
Lynda and Chris Barnes, have twin boys, Troy and Ryan. In 2008, Troy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Since Troy’s diagnosis, the Barnes’ have dedicated their celebrity status, recent Bowling Hall of Fame status, and resources to help Breakthrough T1D find a cure. Lynda Barnes also currently serves as a Board Member for the Breakthrough T1D Greater Dallas Chapter. Linda was also honored by her town council this week for her recent Bowling Hall of Fame induction and her dedication to Breakthrough T1D! Way to go Barnes family!
To learn more about the STRIKEoutDiabetes, visit jdrfdallas.org/strike-out-diabetes!
