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Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL)
"We Will Not Forget"
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The Decatur WBA senT a $1,000 check to Danville Veterans Hospital, Danville, IL as our contribution to BVL for the 2008-2009 season.
The Bowlers to Veterans Link is a national nonprofit charitable organization which supports America's neediest veterans. BVL was founded in 1942 by a group of caring and concerned bowlers who promised "We will not forget about the sacrifices made by America's service men and women." America's bowlers currently raise about $1 million annually through special tournaments, raffles, and sales.
Since the inception of BVL in 1942, over $30 million has been raised by the thousands of participating bowling associations to provide such things as sports publications, televisions, arts and crafts materials, and recreation equipment to veterans.
Monies collected may be designated to specific Veterans Centers within the state, or sent to national headquarters to support the ongoing efforts of BVL.
“A little bit of history about how Women bowlers have supported veterans
and the war efforts through the years” |
During World War II, WIBC members assisted with the war efforts. The program was termed "Wings of Mercy", and was declared as the greatest effort by a single sports group during World War II. Through a variety of voluntary contributions from WIBC members they were able to purchase three Douglas C-47 air evacuation planes, each costing $80,000. In 1943 WIBC members purchased a Douglas A-20 Havoc Bomber ($100,000) named "Miss WIBC", and a Mobile Field Ambulance at a cost of $1,543.25. The amazing thing about the Havoc Bomber effort was that the money was raised within a 90-day period, and this was in 1940 dollars, not the inflated numbers of today.
The "Wings of Mercy" program, contrary to popular belief, was not the forerunner of the Bowlers Victory Legion - later officially changed to BVL Fund, Serving Hospitalized Veterans. As a matter of fact, the formation of the BVL in late 1942 posed a dilemma for many WIBC members. To which should their dollars go – Wings of Mercy or BVL Fund? It was left to the individual local associations.
After the war the "Wings of Mercy" program was no longer needed. As a result bowlers turned to the BVL as a national charity supported by bowlers.
Today BVL remains as the strong link between bowlers and veterans in rehabilitation facilities. Bowlers have generously supported BVL for over 65 years. Let us continue this commitment today and always.
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