'Let's Bowl for the Boll' fundraiser Saturday

Money raised to benefit Boll YMCA in downtown Detroit

DETROIT – Detroit's oldest continuous bowling and entertainment complex, Garden Bowl, is hosting the "Let's Bowl for the Boll," a fundraising benefit for the Boll YMCA downtown, to mark the establishment's 100th anniversary.

"Giving back to the community is the real spirit of Detroit," said Joe Zainea Sr., owner. "We are pleased to celebrate 100 years of operating in the city by hosting a bowling extravaganza where 100-percent of the proceeds raised go directly to the charity."

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Opened in 1913, Garden Bowl launched with just 10 lanes and a billiards room at 4120 Woodward Ave. in midtown Detroit. Today the sprawling complex has 16 lanes, a concert hall, the stylish Majestic Café, an outdoor patio on the second floor adjacent to the Magic Stick - a lively stage and performance area.

In 1946, the Zainea family bought the business after Joe Zainea Sr.'s father Al learned the business was available during a card game. Al seized the opportunity and grew the business by carrying on the tradition of making the site a playground for Detroit's working class. By 1966 Garden Bowl's success enabled a second generation Zaineas to expand and buy the building next door. In 1992, the third generation of the family built on the business' success by remodeling the second floor and opening the Magic Stick. Soon afterward, the famous Gnome Restaurant was opened which is now the Majestic Café. Today the complex is the heart of midtown Detroit. Every weekend, hundreds of Detroiters can been seen along Woodward in front of the complex to hear the latest local band, eat at the café or enjoy a night of bowling fun.

On October 5th, the day's events will begin with team registration at 2:30 pm. Then from 3 pm to 6 pm the bowling alley will rock with fun, music and team bowling! Four-person teams are signing up fast. Each team participant pays a minimum of $50 and there is a $30 fee to watch. The event promises to be a highlight of the year with hundreds of participants.

"Our family has brought fun, food and laughter to Detroiters for three generations," said David Zainea. "On Saturday, October 5th we will continue that fine tradition with our charity event to raise money for a worthy institution supporting the community. We are happy and grateful to bring the Garden Bowl experience to an entirely new generation of people in the heart of Detroit."

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