HOUSTON –For 15 years some of the biggest names in bowling arrive in Houston with one goal – Striking Out Breast Cancer.
Held each year at Palace Lanes in Bellaire, The Luci Bonneau Memorial Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles Tournament has become the #1 mixed doubles event of its kind in professional bowling drawing champions such as Carol Norman, Wendy MacPherson, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Wes Mallott, Tommy Jones, Lynda and Chris Barnes, Dino Castillo, Sean Rash and Liz Johnson.
Organizer Donna Conners knows the thrill of a 300 game – 24 times and counting – but the potential of saving lives through this tournament has become her life’s passion.
With seven Professional Women’s Bowling Association Regional and numerous other titles and as a member of the Texas Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame, Conners has earned a place in the spotlight. But, the pro bowler and sought-after coach, is most comfortable behind the scenes. And for 15 years breast cancer organizations have benefited from her spirit and tenacity as she organizes one of the most successful fundraising efforts associated with Pro Bowling.
Conners’ high standards and commitment to a promise made to a friend are behind the success of the event which this year netted $10,000 for The Rose, a nonprofit breast health organization serving women in Houston and southeast Texas. Players also enjoyed a few moments of celebrating their host as they shared a video tribute to Conners and her leadership of the tournament.
“The Rose’s dependence on community support means I see a great many fundraisers in action and am grateful for each one. But being a part of this year’s Striking Against Breast Cancer event was particularly thrilling,” said Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Co-Founder of The Rose. “Watching so many celebrated players honor Donna for her continuing commitment to the cause was truly inspiring. She certainly embodies the spirit of The Rose and grateful to have her as another champion for our women.”
The event’s namesake Luci Bonneau was a highly ranked pro bowler who played throughout her breast cancer chemotherapy before passing away in 1999. Conners was a teammate, friend and confidante who was ready to assist Bonneau with her dream of a tournament to raise money for research.
Four months after the dream was first mentioned, Luci was gone. But Conners did not forget her promise and for 15 years the event – streamed internationally — has attracted not only celebrities on the lanes but sponsors and donors who provide iPods, DVD players and flat-screen TVs that are raffled off – often with winners donating the items back to be raffled again for more fundraising.
In September, the event took on even greater recognition, as Donna Conners and PBA Commissioner Tom Clark announced that the 2015 Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles tournament would be a National Event. PBA members winning next year’s tournament will be credited with a National PBA Tour title. Conners will remain the tournament director and full control of the tournament.
“We believe this partnership has taken the Striking Against Mixed Doubles tournament to yet another level — more attractive to the bowlers, more attractive to the sponsors, and most of all attractive to those that benefit from our event,” said Conners in a joint statement with the PBA.
Bonneau’s doubles partner Carol Norman is co-owner with Conners of Carol “Stormin” Norman’s Pro Shop and a sponsor of the annual event. The shop is located inside the Del Mar Lanes bowling center, just a few blocks north of Highway 290 at 3020 Mangum Road. Other event sponsors include Kegel, Dexter, Vise, High 5 Gear, and Storm Bowling Products.
For more information visit http://strikingagainstbreastcancer.org/.
