Frequently Asked Questions About Junior Achievement's Bowl-A-Thon
What is Bowl-A-Thon?
Bowl-A-Thon (BAT) is an exciting event that allows everyone to get involved. Companies recruit participants who then form teams of five. The teams raise pledges in order to qualify for prizes. On a specified date, all the teams from one company assemble to bowl and compete against other companies. This is a great team building event and a good time had by all.
How do I get my company involved?
To get your company involved, choose a Company Coordinator (or volunteer yourself). The Company Coordinator then contacts Junior Achievement to sign up. After your company is signed up to participate, the Coordinator is responsible for finding Team Captains and participants.
How do I sign up as a bowler?
Once your company is signed up to bowl, registering to bowl is easy through our event's website at http://jabowltrain.kintera.org . We STRONGLY recommend online registration!!! Not only does it give you an easy way to fundraise, but it makes keeping track of your pledges a lot more efficient. If you are your company's coordinator, definitely encourage participants to sign up online so that you are more able to keep bowlers accountable. .
When should I sign up?
Please sign up AT LEAST two weeks prior to your company's bowling date. The Bowling Centers request a head count and team rosters in advance so please register online as soon as you decide to participate.
How much is it to participate in Bowl-A-Thon?
There is a $20 registration fee per bowler. This covers two games of bowling, ball, shoe rental, and event T-shirt. The registration fee does NOT factor in to prize eligibility. Please register for the event at least 5 business days prior to your bowl date. If you do not wish to pay the fee online, you may give it to you team captain to turn in on your behalf.
Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?
We ask that each bowler raise a minimum of $25. The $25 is in addition to the $20 registration fee. While $45 covers registration and the minimum pledge raising amount, it does not make you eligible for prizes; prize eligibility begins at $150.
When is the money due?
Registration is due at least 3 business days PRIOR to the day you bowl to your team captain or paid online. Pledges are due 5 business days after you bowl. Turn in your small bowler envelope to your team captain who will then turn it in to the company coordinator. If you do not raise the minimum $25, please submit payment to your team captain to be included in the team envelope. The company coordinator will make arrangements with Junior Achievement for collection.
Are my contributions tax deductible?
YES! Due to JA's 501c3 status, all contributions are tax deductible. Included in this manual is a receipt that includes the JA tax ID number 95-172-7087. Please fill in your sponsor's donation amount before you give them their receipt. Registration fees are NOT tax deductible. A receipt is included in this packet.
Where is the event held?
That is up to you! We work with Mira Mesa Lanes, Kearny Mesa Bowl, Brunswick Premier (Chula Vista), Parkway Bowl (El Cajon) and AMF Eagle Lanes (San Marcos). Choose which alley is most convenient for your participants and JA will contact the alley for you. (Please do not contact the alley directly. Due to the incredible amount of participants, we ask that you please go through JA in order to make scheduling arrangements as to not overwhelm bowling alley managers and employees.)
When is Bowl-A-Thon?
This year, we are hosting a Bowl-A-Thon kick off date! This special event is scheduled for March 10th from 12:00 to 2:00. We have reserved every lane at Mira Mesa Lanes. There will be music, photos and pizza! Reserve your lanes today!
However, if your group is too large or cannot bowl on this date, look at your corporate calendar and choose a date that works best for the biggest number of participants. Then check with JA to make sure that the bowling alley is available and able to accommodate your group. Bowl-A-Thon begins in March and lasts through the end of May. (Please do not contact the alley directly. Due to the incredible amount of participants, we ask that you please go through JA in order to make scheduling arrangements as to not overwhelm bowling alley managers and employees.)
How long is Bowl-A-Thon?
The day of the event is 2 hours. Bowlers must arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled start time to allow for check in and shoe rental. After two hours, the alley must shut off the lanes to prepare for the next group so it is vital your group show up on time or they will not get to finish their games.
How do I win prizes?
To be eligible for prizes, individuals must raise a minimum of $150.
When will I get my prizes?
After your group's money has been counted, you will receive an email from Awards Network in order to claim the prize of your choice from the collection earned. Prizes range from jewelry and accessories to home appliances and sporting goods! If you earn either the Movie Tickets or the Mexico trip your prizes will be mailed to you approximately two weeks after you bowl.
Can I bring a friend?
YES! The more the merrier. We encourage Team Captains to recruit teams of whoever they choose: friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors, etc. If your friend just wants to attend the event and NOT raise pledges or pay the registration fee, THEY MAY NOT BOWL.
Can I bring my children?
We don't recommend bringing small children to the alleys as they can get very crowded and chaotic during Bowl-A-Thons. However, if your child is old enough to bowl and would like to bowl on your team, the same participation stipulations apply.
What are the various methods of payment?
We accept cash, checks (made payable to Junior Achievement), or credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover). PLEASE NO CHANGE!!!!!