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.
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