Veterans Assistance Commission hosts Bowl-a-thon

Courtesy of Bob Ryder
Veterans Assistance Commission
BELVIDERE – Four thousand dollars in cash and dozens of gift certificates were donated by area residents and businesses to help Boone County veterans during the first annual Bowl for Veterans event held Saturday, Jan. 2 at Dodge Lanes in Belvidere.
“I was shocked by how much money was raised and extremely thankful for every penny,” Bob Ryder, Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Boone County, the local veteran’s agency that will distribute the funds to Boone County veterans, said. “This really shows the wonderful support of the Belvidere/Boone County community for our veterans and just how generous they are!”
Alyssa Cortes was the driving force behind the Bowl for Vets fundraiser and was busy at the event organizing, selling tickets and directing volunteers to make it all happen.
“When we started counting up all the donations that were given, I just couldn’t believe how much was there,” Cortes said. “Being a first time event we were hoping for maybe a thousand dollars. The more we counted the more we couldn’t believe how much we were able to raise. I can’t thank everyone enough who came out to take part!”
All of the funds raised will go directly to Boone County veterans, according to Superintendent Ryder. “This goes directly into our donation fund which has no administrative costs,” Ryder said.

“These donations will be used to help local vets pay for their heat and electric bills this winter. It will go toward food vouchers and medical bills and rent payments. Not a single cent will used for anything but directly helping our Boone County veterans!”
Alyssa Cortes adds if all goes according to plan, she hopes to hold a second Bowl for Vets event in early January 2017.