Cape Henlopen High School Best Buddies Club Hosts Community Bowlathon Fundraiser

The Best Buddies Club at Cape Henlopen High School recently brought together students, families, and community partners for a fun-filled Bowlathon fundraiser at Lefty’s Alley and Eats. The event was held in an effort to raise money to support the club’s mission of promoting inclusion and friendship for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, leadership development, integrated employment, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The event drew strong community participation, with staff members from Thompson Island joining students on the lanes. The Best family of Ace attended with their family members and generously donated a bowling lane for students to enjoy. Additional support came from the Just Comfort Shoes team and families from the Boardwalk Buddy Walk group, who also participated in the event.

Several local businesses and organizations helped make the Bowlathon possible by sponsoring lanes for students, including Dairy Queen, the Lewes Presbyterian Youth Group, Rusty Rudder, Dirt Works, Alltemp Air, and JD Shuckers. The club also received a generous donation from an anonymous community member, further demonstrating the strong support for inclusive programming in the Cape community. In an additional show of generosity, the Boardwalk Buddy Walk organization also presented the Best Buddies Club with a donation during the event, helping further the club’s efforts to create meaningful opportunities for students.

The Bowlathon highlighted the spirit of inclusion that defines the Best Buddies program, bringing together students and community members to celebrate friendship, teamwork, and support for individuals with disabilities. “The Bowlathon was a wonderful reminder of how supportive and inclusive the Cape community truly is,” said Best Buddies Club Co-Advisor Amanda Hale. “Seeing our students, families, and community partners come together to celebrate friendship while raising money for such an important cause means so much to our club.” Lisa Thorp, also a Co-Advisor for Best Buddies added her sentiment of appreciation to all those who contributed. “We are incredibly grateful for everyone who donated, sponsored a lane, or came out to bowl,” said Thorp. “It’s events like these that allow our students to build connections and really experience the incredible support of their entire Cape community.”

Cape Henlopen High School extends its sincere appreciation to all sponsors, donors, volunteers, and participants who helped make the event a success.