September 9, 2025 | Entertainment, Events

Bowling fun raises funds for The Center

Representing Bubble Binz and Anna Maria Charters, these Jellyfish-themed bowlers claimed the top costume trophy. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

BRADENTON – The Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament at Bowlero in Bradenton on Sept. 6 was a fun-filled community event that raised funds for The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Holmes Beach-based LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air is the primary sponsor of the annual tournament that honors the late Greg LaPensee, and his father and company founder, Mike LaPensee.

The tournament featured teams with up to six bowlers and many teams sported costumes or matching attire.

For the first time, a team representing LaPensee rolled the highest collective one-game score, 872, to claim the top team trophy – a customized bowling pin. The winning team featured Scot Atkinson, George Babcock, Chad Schweitzer, Tara Dawson, Todd McCollum and Roland Orrbach.

Rolling an impressive 240 game, Joey Newell claimed the top male bowler trophy. Bridgette Latessa rolled a 144 to claim the top female bowler trophy and Alex Serra claimed the kids’ trophy with a 210 series.

A team of jellyfish-themed bowlers from Bubble Binz and Anna Maria Charters took first place in the costume contest, followed by The Minions from MG Construction and The Lorax from Duffy’s Tavern. A special Spirit Award was given to The Full Send team that bowled in honor of recently-deceased charter fishing captain Jason Stock. Awarded to the least skillful (yet still enthusiastic) bowler, The Gutter Ball Award went to Dina Franklin.

The fundraising efforts included a silent auction, a 50-50 raffle and raffles that included a sunset cruise for 30 passengers donated by AMI Dolphin Tours.

Joined by her daughter, Shawn Shields, her grandson, Preston LaPensee, and her daughter-in-law, Carlee LaPensee, LaPensee family matriarch Karen LaPensee said, “I’m so proud that we’re able to do this year after year. It’s a fantastic turnout, everybody has fun and I just love this community. Greg was a great bowler and Michael and I just offered our support. It’s a good fundraiser for The Center and it’s grown into something substantial.”

Carlee said, “I appreciate everyone coming out and supporting The Center. We love Greg (her late husband), and Mike and I’m here in honor of them.”

The Center’s executive director, Chris Culhane, said, “The O’Connor Bowling Challenge started in 1990 to support youth programs at The Center and we’re so happy LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air kept it going; and thanks to all the sponsors and all the bowlers. The community has been devastated over the past year and it’s amazing how the community always steps up to support The Center and each other. It’s not about The Center; it’s about our community.”