Salute to Bowling to return to auction/cocktail format in 2012

ARLINGTON, Texas – Salute to Bowling, traditionally one of the sport’s biggest annual fund-raising events, will be held at a new location and time but with a return to its previous format in 2012.

The 23rd Salute will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 during the 2012 Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America Bowling Summit at the Meritage Resort in Napa Valley, Calif. It will feature free admission courtesy of joint presenters Brunswick and Qubica/AMF and will include a wine and cheese party, cocktails and beverage, 50/50 raffle and silent and live auctions of items donated for the event.

“With all the things that normally go on during Bowl Expo, the industry felt it better to move this event to the Summit where it can be a featured event,” said IBM/HF President and Chairman of the Board Keith Hamilton. “Plus, what better place is there to have a wine and cheese party than in Napa Valley, Calif.?”

Salute to Bowling helps fund operations at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in Arlington, Texas. The formal Salute event returns in 2012 after one-year hiatus. During the 2011 International Bowl Expo, a silent auctions and special events at the International Bowling Campus raised more than $61,000 to benefit IBM/HF.

“We truly appreciate Brunswick and Qubica/AMF joining together to sponsor this event and support the International Museum and Hall of Fame,” said Salute Committee Chair and Hall of Famer Mike Aulby.

Salute to Bowling originally started as Salute to Champions in 1990 as the brainchild of former Brunswick executive Jim Bennett. It started as black-tie affair to honor those who had helped the industry. In 2002, the event moved to International Bowl Expo and changed format from a black-tie sit down to an auction/cocktail format.