Write a commentRegistration is now open for this year's bowling tournament fund raiser, the OCO Rodeo Bowl. This popular annual event will be hosted by Oswego County Opportunities on Saturday, April 18 at Lakeview Lanes in Fulton. The western theme will be featured in decorations, prizes, and contests, as well as an inspiration for bowling teams to come up with fun and creative costumes.
The OCO Rodeo Bowl takes place from noon – 6:00 pm at Lakeview Lanes in Fulton. Five-person teams have choice of flights: Noon - 2:30 pm or 3:00 - 5:30 pm (first come, first served). Businesses and individuals are invited to donate door prizes for the raffles and silent auction, and major sponsors are being solicited as well.
OCO holds this fund raiser every spring to help support its programs and services. This year's proceeds will focus on assisting people in crisis. "We're focusing on the 'crisis in your backyard' this year, because everyone who comes to OCO for services is experiencing some type of crisis, whether it's lack of money to pay the rent, loss of a job, no transportation, inability to buy food for their family, experiencing abuse or neglect ... the list goes on," Cooper-Currier stated. "I guarantee that there's someone close by - in your neighborhood, on your street, at your workplace, in your school, perhaps even in your own family – who needs our help to get through a crisis. That's why we call it 'crisis in your backyard'; it's close to home. What better place to make a difference and improve someone's life than right in your own backyard, by supporting OCO?"
"As the community action agency for Oswego County, we provide more than 50 programs and services that help lift people out of poverty and move toward better health, self-sufficiency and productivity," said Connie Cosemento, president of OCO's Board of Directors. "OCO is an anti-poverty agency, and we fight poverty on many fronts, in many different forms."
In addition to support for these crisis services, OCO also sets aside a percentage of the Rodeo Bowl proceeds to build financial resources for the future. "Our communities have an increasingly important role to play in shaping the course of this future," Cooper-Currier said. "We must rely increasingly on grassroots efforts and collaborations to assure that local needs are met and our communities are strengthened. This leads to better quality of life for everyone."
Every level of support makes a difference, Cooper-Currier continued. "At OCO, more than 90 cents of every dollar received goes right back out to help people, right here in your backyard. That's much higher than the national average for non-profits in the United States. You can give with confidence that your money is working hard to combat the forces of poverty and hunger close to home."
For registration or sponsor information, or to donate a door prize, contact OCO at 598-4717 or visit the agency's website at www.oco.org.
A private, non-profit agency, OCO's many programs touch the lives of more than 30,000 Oswego County residents each year. One of Oswego County's largest employers, OCO employs more than 600 people and boasts a volunteer force of 1200. OCO strives to improve the quality of life in Oswego County by helping people, supporting communities and changing lives. For more information, visit OCO's website at www.oco.org.
