This Is Carolina: Myrtle Beach Bowl fundraises for charities one strike at a time
“This is kind of our niche. Our identity,”
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Larry Nowak knows his favorite thing about bowling.
“Listen, there’s nothing better than the sound of a solid strike hitting the pins,” he said.
That sweet sound echoes throughout Myrtle Beach Bowl, a traditional bowling alley where old lanes are the new countertops that only enhance the retro charm.
“It is definitely an ‘80s ‘90s feel,” said Nowak.
Nowak knows how to keep a bowling alley packed. He started working in one at the age of 16 because he wanted to buy a car and he’s never left. Nowak worked in several states before taking over Myrtle Beach Bowl in 1993 and then returned in 2015 as a managing partner.
“I love the smile, the fun, the happiness. People come here to have a good time,” he said. “It’s the only place where there’s absolutely no separation of society.”
Nowak prides himself on hosting school trips, leagues, and tournaments - but most of all community service.
“This is kind of our niche. Our identity,” said Nowak. “We do a lot with fundraisers and we get our bowlers very involved with that.”
A friendly competition amongst bowlers from across the country to see who can raise the most money for charities that are tracked along a wall dedicated to helping others.
“The one that I’m mostly involved in is March of Dimes,” said league bowler Kimberlee Anderson. “My son was born premature so it’s definitely a big thing for me.”
“I’m particularly involved with the veterans because I’m a veteran myself. What they do for VBL and everything else is really fantastic,” said league bowler Eric Johnson.
League bowler Wayne Moore said it’s great to see the bowling alley helping those in need.
“They’re always doing some type of fundraiser to make money and usually, the bowling community supports them pretty well,” said Moore.
Whether you’re a professional bowler or just getting started there’s a place for you at Myrtle Beach Bowl. A place where you can experience old fashion fun while making a difference.
“We love being part of this community. It’s a great community,” said Nowak. “I’m glad that there are generations here at the center that are willing to give, to be involved. Not just time, not just money but some of them actually show up and help. That’s an experience that they’ll never forget.”
If you’d like to participate in the fundraisers, click Myrtle Beach Bowl or visit their Facebook page. Do you have good news to share? Email goodnews@wmbfnews.com or message Loren on Facebook.
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