20th Annual Tail Wagger’s Bowl – November 7, 2009

Twenty years ago, a one-time event was held at Woodland Lanes in Livonia to benefit animals in need. In memory of the late Jean Polka, an avid animal lover, it was with hope that people would show up, bring donations and have a good time. Well, little did Laura Zain know….

Sixty-Two people showed up on that day in November, 1989 and brought in over $6,000 in donations. Amazed at the generosity of total strangers, and overwhelmed by the animal’s lovers that participated, fun was had by all and Laura left feeling very satisfied and glad she held this event in honor of her late Aunt.

By spring of 1990, calls started to come in to Woodland Lanes from people asking if "that animal lady was going to have that bowling event again". By August, it was determined that the 1st Tail Wagger’s Bowl was going to be held in November and planning was underway.

The 1st Tail Wagger’s Bowl had 160 participants and took 2 weeks to plan. Now, 20 years later, 8 months of planning and a total of 500+ participants, our supporters collectively raised $30,000 for animals in need!

What an honor to have carried on my Aunt’s life-long dream of raising money to help animals. And so the journey begins….

A video history of Tail Wagger's Bowl events:

20th Annual Tail Wagger's Bowl - November 7, 2009

Squad 1     Squad 2     Squad 3     Squad 4

19th Annual Tail Wagger’s Bowl – November 8, 2008
see the highlights!

The 19th Annual Tail Wagger’s Bowl was successful once again! Over 400 participants collectively raised $23,657 to “Help People Help Animals”.

Many people are instrumental in making the day run as smooth as it does and we have our dedicated volunteers to thank for that. Bonnie Fisher from Party Works begins our day with hundreds of balloons – enough to make you smile as you walk in the door. Suzi Lee from That Color brings in the signage and Kara's House caters the event with enough food and desserts to feed an army! The staff of Woodland Lanes was attentive and professional as they have been for the past 19 years and we are forever grateful for their support and dedication to our cause.

Alumni animals always kick-off each squad and this year, Roxy, our alumni German shepard who was rescued last year off of I-75 was the highlight. Roxy’s owner, Darren had a big surprise two months after he adopted Roxy into his home… she gave birth to eleven puppies! This year, Darren and Roxy were reunited for the first time with six of Roxy’s eleven puppies! ...what a site that was!

As supporters begin to bowl, everyone mingles with the alumni animals and enjoys the Glow Bowl and Music that Woodland Lanes provides. After the completion of the 2nd game, bowling is stopped so that Mystery Game numbers can be called and hundreds of donated prizes won. Winners have a chance at such prizes as: movie passes, dinner gift cards, jewelery gift cards, over-night stays at local hotels, and much, much more. At the completion of Mystery Game, the grand prize winners are announced and the official Tote Board becomes the main focus to see how many donations were brought in! As the event progresses throughout the day, the Tote Board stays lit up and amazes everyone as the total gets higher and higher.

Without the dedication of our supporters and their hard work in collecting donations, we would not be able to give assistance to the animals and families that so desperately need us.

Enjoy some of the highlights from each of the squads.