Jodi Kines and Holy Angels resident Lorraine take to the bowling lanes as two Wonder Women. (Photo provided by Sister Nancy Nance)BELMONT — George Pappas’ Liberty Lanes in Gastonia was visited by hundreds of Marvel characters and a thousand-plus supporters March 3 for the 26th Annual Angel Bowl to benefit Holy Angels.
The theme was “Superheroes” and they were everywhere – even if they were not wearing a costume but just sporting the red T-shirt showing their support for Holy Angels. From pros to bumpers, babies to adults, every team had a great time blacklight bowling in friendly competition.
Masters of ceremonies from Spectrum News, WCNC News 36 and WSOC-FM trumped up the spirits and stamina with announcements of praise and prayer throughout the day. Volunteers sold cups, T-shirts and other memorabilia to memorialize the event.
“We have been doing this event for the past 26 years,” said Sister Nancy Nance of Holy Angels. “When we first started we had a hard time filling half of the bowling alley twice. Now we have a hard time finding room for all the teams because we now have the whole bowling alley booked, eight times, during eight different sessions, all day long from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.”
“Our goal is to raise $140,000 today,” said chief development officer Anne Bogen, noting that total attendance was estimated at about 1,300 people.
All proceeds went to benefit Holy Angels, a residential facility opened in Belmont in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions. Holy Angels has 85 residents aged 7 months to 75 years old, all of whom are loved around the clock by a staff of more than 300 plus another 100 volunteers.
Holy Angels offers a wide range of services ranging from infancy to older adults and their families, including residential living, day services, supported employment opportunities, medical services, physical therapy, special education and rehabilitation services, creative arts, recreation, spiritual opportunities and family support services. The facility is comprised of five care facilities, the main center, and four group homes serving local intellectually and developmentally disabled people.
“Here at Holy Angels, God is everywhere,” said Holy Angels’ CEO Regina Moody. “The residents give out so much joy. It is kind of like heaven on earth. If I knew what heaven was, it would kind of be like Holy Angels.”
As people from local schools, businesses, families and churches glide their bowling balls down the lane hoping for a strike, it is easy to notice how everyone has had a direct encounter with an Angel who has inspired them to take part in the bowling fundraiser. Most of the donors have known someone directly touched by Holy Angels’ residents.
Local high school “volunteen” Ally Adams describes Holy Angels this way: “Everybody you meet there is not miserable with their jobs. They have love in their hearts. The place makes my day and makes my week. The residents there are beautiful souls.
“Society is so harsh today – everybody is judging everybody – but I know the residents at Holy Angels are going to love me no matter what I wear or what I look like, and regardless if I wear make-up or not. They love their lives and they love to be alive.”
— Lisa Geraci, correspondent
How you can help
Learn more about donating to Holy Angels or helping out as a volunteer: Go online to www.holyangelsnc.org or call 704-825-4161.