Pictured are Shannon Larson, chairwoman of the 16th “Don’t Know Your Partner” bowling tournament hosted by the Lake Chautauqua VFW Post 8647 Auxiliary, and BJ Buonaiuto, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care event manager. Submitted photo

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary to Lake Chautauqua Post 8647 in Mayville recently sponsored its 16th “Don’t Know Your Partner” bowling tournament to benefit Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care.

Shannon Larson, event chairwoman, thanked those who participated in the tournament and said the event raised $9,040 for Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care.

The event started 18 years ago when Uncle Bill (Larson) had a creative idea to curb cabin fever. Auxiliary and post members were all glad when they could resume the event after taking two years off due to COVID. There were 110 bowlers this year, the sixth year the tournament has been held at Lucky Lanes in Fredonia.

“There were many volunteers, lane sponsors, donated auction items and baked goods,” Larson said. “Because of you, this year was again very successful! Thank you! Thanks to Jim, Dave and Bryan for preparing the delicious steak dinner back at the VFW. Everyone seemed to enjoy the music that was provided by Derek Davis, Angel Busch and Bob Gilbert. Many danced the night away!”

There were 323 volunteer hours recorded before, during and after the event collecting donations, assisting with the bake sale and Chinese auction, selling giveaway tickets, registering bowlers and preparing food in the kitchen. Volunteers included Kim Berdyck, Joe Britton, Debbie Cenni, Brian Couse, Donna Dixon, Tom Douglas, Luke Ecker, Ginger Edwards, Luanne Elder, Jamie Ericson, John FaFalios, Elisa Fuentes, Bob Gilbert, Mike Krause, Bill Larson, Shannon Larson, Dave Latimer, Maryann Lescynski, Eileen Martin, Christine Peterson, Michelle Smith, Joe Spas, Jen Tarr, Jim Thomas, Aurelia Taylor and Jan Woodfield.

First place honors, with a combined score of 1158, went to Steve Maloy and Brandon Pratt. Second place was won by Chris Kent and Preston Shaffer with a score of 930. Third place honors, with a score of 921, was earned by Brad Gable and Dan Engdahl. The three-game low score was won by Amy Pomeroy with a combined three-game score of 152.

Lane sponsors were Lake Chautauqua Memorial VFW Post 8647 and its Auxiliary, Wm. P. Jackway VFW Post 6764 and its Auxiliary (Westfield), William Travis Unit 493 Ladies Auxiliary (Mayville), “A” Automotive, Basil Chevrolet, Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House, Bernard Anderson Fundraising, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association, Mrs. Claus, Cummins Engine, DeVoldre & Lescynski, Empire Energy, Carl & Karen Lundberg, Gay Mark Tire & Wheel, John’s Chautauqua Belles, Klinginsmith Plumbing & Heating, Lakewood Rod & Gun, Lighthouse Point Grocery, LLAMA Club, Maplevale, Nickel Plate Depot, In Memory of Eileen Powers, Price Abstract Company, LLC, Quagliana’s Bark Grill, R & R Property Services & Landscaping, Shear Style, Sherman Country General Store, Spas Farm Pasture Raised Beef, Stewart’s Contracting, Stewart’s Mayville Hardware, The Triple B, Vacation Properties, The Village Restaurant, and Westfield Main Diner.

Chinese auction, giveaway and baked goods donors included Applebee’s (Lakewood), Staci Bemis, Buddy Brewsters Ale House, Buffalo Sabres, Debbie Cenni, Chautauqua Liquor Store, Cut Loose Hair Salon, Donna Dixon, Steve & Ginger Edwards, John Fafalios, Brenda Houser, Ben Ludwig, Five Guys (Lakewood), French Creek Tavern, The Good Time Saloon, The Green Door Tavern, Gren Distributors, Handcrafted from the Heart, Jack’s Barcelona Drive-in, Kathy Jordan, Heather Kranz, Kwik Fill/United Refining Company, Lakeview Restaurant & Hotel, Lakewood Golf Center, Barry Larson, Bill Larson, Shannon Larson, Jack & Maryann Lescynski, Jesse Lescynski, Liberty Vineyards, Karen Lundberg, Eileen Martin, NAPA (Mayville), National Comedy Center – Jamestown, Barbara Nickerson, Noble Winery, The Parkview CafÈ, The Pub, Pinehurst Golf Club, Quagliana’s Bark Grill, Raynor’s Liquor Store, Red Lobster (Lake-wood), ServiceMaster, Michelle Smith, The Swamp, Tidy Girls, The Village Restaurant, Webb’s Candy Shop, Webb’s Captain’s Table, Westfield Fisheries and Wright Beverage Company.

The mission of Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care is to provide end of life education and care in Chautauqua County. Hospice provides hospice care for patients and families facing life-limiting terminal illness, palliative care for those with serious chronic illness, and bereavement support to individuals, families and organizations who have suffered the loss of a loved one. For more information visit: www.chpc.care or call 716-338-0033.

BJ Buonaiuto, CHPC event manager, expressed appreciation for all those who participated in this event and commended Larson and her team of volunteers who continue to make the bowling tournament a success.