Maple Family Centers kicked off its 65th year in business with an anniversary party that doubled as a grand reopening celebration of Maple Lanes Lakeland, one of the company’s five bowling centers.
The LaSpina family, owners of the third-generation family-owned business, were joined at Maple Lanes Lakeland by more than 150 customers and friends, along with Polk County Commissioner Michael Scott and professional bowlers Amleto Monacelli, John Janowicz, Ethan Fiore, Dasha Kovalova, and Brandon Bohn for an afternoon of bowling, eating, drinking, and giving back to the community.
During the event, Maple Family Centers launched its “Race to a Million,” referring to the company’s goal to pass the $1 million mark for contributions to Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) during its 65th anniversary year. To date, Maple has raised more than $900,000 for BVL, the nation’s oldest and largest bowling charity, which supports therapeutic recreational programs for local veterans and active-duty military. The LaSpina family kicked off the “Race to a Million” with a $6,500 donation to BVL during the event.
The LaSpina family also cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the unveiling of major renovations at Maple Lanes Lakeland, including a brand-new arcade, commercial kitchen, bathrooms, and pro shop, among other upgrades.
Polk County Commissioner Michael Scott spoke during the ceremony, talking about his family’s love for bowling. The five Pro Bowlers in attendance participated in a “Celebrity Roll-Off Game,” each partnering with one amateur player. Maple made its $6,500 donation to BVL in the winning team’s honor.
“Since my father started this business in 1960, my family has been lucky enough to be in the business of selling fun. We are honored to celebrate this milestone year with the pro bowlers, Commissioner Scott and our committed customers, many of whom are involved in running leagues and programs for us,” said Maple Family Centers President John LaSpina. “We are also proud to launch our year-long effort to pass the $1 million mark in donations for BVL. Our company began fundraising for veterans’ causes in the days following 9/11, when we decided we should be a meaningful member of every community we serve. At Maple, we love our veterans – they put themselves in harm’s way to protect us all, much like the first responders on 9/11. Coincidentally, we came into our 65th year having raised $911,000 for BVL, and we are on a mission to pass the $1 million mark. One small company, one million dollars, and I hope we are only one of many companies who decide to be generous.”