Family Bowlaway in Butler was packed Sunday, March 2, during the Butler YMCA's annual “Bowl for the Kids” fundraiser. William Pitts/Butler Eagle 3/2/2025.

The Butler County Family YMCA held its 31st annual “Bowl for the Kids” event at the Family Bowlaway Fun Center on Fairground Hill Road on Sunday, March 2, as hundreds of bowlers packed the alley to rack up strikes and spares for a good cause.

According to YMCA development director Christina Dreher, the Bowlaway was “maxed out” — meaning that bowlers signed up to use every single lane at the alley. This included the three “duckpin bowling” lanes at the Back Alley, which are for a miniaturized version of regular 10-pin bowling.

“That’s 31 lanes filled with six people or more,” Dreher said. “And we raised probably around $20,000.”

Funds from “Bowl for the Kids” will benefit the Butler YMCA’s youth programs, including scholarships, swimming lessons, summer camps and the support campaign, which provides discounts for those who can’t afford to participate in YMCA programs at their full asking price.

“ (The support campaign) helps support kids and families in our area that might not otherwise be able to participate in YMCA memberships and programs,” Dreher said. “The funds raised at today's event allow us to discount those fees so that they can join.”

“Bowl for the Kids” is one of the Butler YMCA’s four major fundraiser events of 2025. Following this will be the Wheels of Steel Car Cruise at Slippery Rock’s ARMCO Park on June 7, the 50th annual Butler Road Race on June 28 and the Fore the Children Golf Classic on Sept. 22.