Ever wanted to bowl alongside a world champion? Ever wanted to help someone in need? You’re in luck, on both counts.
Chris and Lynda Barnes of Double Oak are both championship bowlers and the founding sponsors for the Strike Out Diabetes annual charity bowling fundraiser on May 10 benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Their fight against Type 1 diabetes is personal.
The couple has twin boys, Troy and Ryan. In 2008, Troy was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
“As parents we do all we can to protect our children from harms way,” said Lynda Barnes. “However, we couldn’t protect Troy from Type 1 diabetes. To stay alive, Troy 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 or protect Troy from long-term complications.”
The JDRF Greater Dallas Chapter launched this pilot program with the Barnes Family in November 2009 for National Diabetes Awareness Month.
Since Troy’s diagnosis, the Barnes’ have dedicated their celebrity status and resources to helping JDRF find a cure, including Lynda becoming a Board Member of the Greater Dallas Chapter.
“Our family has joined with JDRF to help raise funds for the millions of people living with and affected by Type 1 diabetes (T1D),” said Barnes. “The money raised will help JDRF fund critical research to remove the impact of T1D on people’s lives until no one has to fear developing the disease.”
To date, the Strike Out Diabetes program has raised a total of more than $250,000 for JDRF. This year, the Plano Super Bowl at 2521 K Ave. in Plano, hopes to raise more than $60,000.
Fellow professional bowling friends of the Barnes will include Shannon O’Keefe, Clara Guerrero, Kim Terrell-Kearney, Tennelle Milligan, Rod Ross, Paul Fleming, Dino Castillo and Chris and Stefanie Johnson.
The fun includes an open coaching clinic, silent auction, prize drawings, trick shots, colored pin strike prizes and live auction items including one of a kind hand-painted bowling pins, autographed pictures, shirts and even a Shannon O’Keefe jersey.
Every dollar makes a difference in advancing important diabetes research.
Participants of all ages and experience are requested to raise a minimum of $100 for each five person team, with all funds benefiting the JDRF Greater Dallas Chapter. There are a variety of team sponsor packages also available.
“With bowling continuing to grow as a family sport for all ages, this program has something that everyone can get involved in,” said Barnes. “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this great success, the professional bowlers, participants, sponsors and volunteers.”
If you are unable to attend the event, you can still help by supporting JDRF and Strike Out Diabetes by making an online donation at www.STRIKEoutDiabetes.org.
WHAT: 2014 STRIKEoutDiabetes Charity Bowling Event
WHEN: Saturday, May 10 – Check-In: 12:30 p.m./Bowling 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Plano Super Bowl, 2521 K Ave, Plano, TX 75074
REGISTER: 214-373-9808 or www.STRIKEoutDiabetes.org
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