WEBSTER, N.Y. -- Hundreds packed the AMF Bowling Lanes in Webster Sunday for Strikes for Abilities, an annual bowling party fundraiser for CDS Monarch.
Among the organization's services is providing recreational equipment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities -- including the largest Special Olympics team in Monroe County.
“It’s about us being able to provide independence for people and get them access and involvement in their community," said CDS Wolf Foundation Executive Director Taryn Mullen. "They want to live and work and have hobbies and activities to participate in their community, just like you and I do."
The event is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Many of the families say there are plenty of reasons they keep coming back year after year.
“You don’t realize how many lives people with special needs touch, until an event like this comes up and we all get together," said volunteer Margie Dell, of Henrietta. "It’s just great. It’s where community and family come together.”
Organizers say some of the $40,000 they hope to raise from the event will pay for things like equipment and jerseys for Special Olympians like Kenny Moriarity, of Fairport.
“It’s just radical," said Moriarity. "It’s awesome. You meet new people, and you meet the volunteers. Without the volunteers, I don’t know what we would do.”