Washington, D.C. (February 27, 2013) On May 4th, Skyler’s Gift Foundation will host their first major fundraising event, a bowl-a-thon at Lucky Strike in Washington, DC. The event will feature Stephen Bowen as well as other NFL players. The organization is offering businesses a chance to sponsor the organization while advertising their business and opening up ticket sales to the general public.
Tiffany and Stephen Bowen—a defensive lineman for the Washington Redskins—launched Skyler’s Gift Foundation in honor and memory of their son Skyler Bowen, who passed away from complications of prematurity in 2011.
Motivated by their loss and wanting to give back to others, Tiffany and Stephen Bowen created Skyler’s Gift to provide financial support to families in need that have lost newborn babies from complications of premature birth. They believe no one should have to face this loss alone and especially without the needed resources in place.
“It’s unfortunate that families who lose a premature baby often face financial hardship when trying to lay their child to rest,” says Stephen Bowen, Washington Redskins Defensive Captain. “Skyler’s Gift provides financial assistance to families around the country who face this devastating problem. A family should not have to worry about money at the worse time in their lives.”
While many services are in place for families during hospitals stays in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), Tiffany and Stephen found that after a loss the support is simply no longer there. That’s where they hope Skyler’s Gift will step in. The foundation will work to raise funds in support of families in need of financial assistance for mortuary and burial costs as well as grief counseling and support groups for moms and dads and siblings.
“On May 4th we are going to bowl for babies,” adds Bowen. “It’s going to be exciting to have some of the best players from the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys come together with the fans to have a good time and raise money for this amazing cause.”
The bowl-a-thon starts at six in the evening and will feature bowling with NFL lane captains, billiards, open bar and food. There will also be a silent auction. To date several NFL players have already agreed to provide their support to the organization as lane captains. Stephen Bowen will be joined by other teammates from the Washington Redskins including Barry Cofield, Trent Williams, Brian Orakpo, Jarvis Jenkins and Doug Worthington. From the Dallas Cowboys, Demarcus Ware, Jason Hatcher, Miles Austin and Derrick Dockery will also be attending.
“I jumped at the chance to come to DC for this event,” explains Jason Hatchers from the Dallas Cowboys. “It’s a cause that every parent feels strongly about and we get to have fun with fans. I’m looking forward to seeing the Cowboy’s fans in the DC area come out for the event.”
The bowl-a-thon is a chance for the community to meet and bowl with NFL players while providing hope and healing for families in need.