Get ready for the Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament

ANNA MARIA – Bring a team and make new friends while helping to raise money for The Center of Anna Maria Island at this year’s Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament, sponsored by LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air.

The bowling fun starts on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at Bowlero Bradenton, 4208 Cortez Road W. With checkin at 5:30 p.m., bowlers and supporters have the chance to meet and greet, as well as see all of the amazing costumes that are expected this year before striking the pins.

With teams of six, top bowling honors will go to the highest-scoring male, female and youth player. The cost to participate in this year’s event is $350 per team.

Bowlers will play three games with their team while enjoying snacks provided as part of their entry fee. Shoe rental is also included.

The costumes are more than just for fun. With prizes on the line, the team with the best costumes will win a prize along with bragging rights for being the most creative in this year’s fundraiser.

Whether you are bowling or just there for fun, the event will have raffles for all to enjoy. Donations for raffle items are gladly accepted at The Center.

Along with raffle goodies, event sponsors are also welcome. With three different sponsorship levels, one might be the perfect fit for you or your team.

The signature sponsor level receives a lane for six players, a tumbler, fishing shirt with your business logo and a pitcher of beer for a $750 sponsorship.

The two levels of lane sponsorships are $500 with six players or $250 without a team. Lane sponsors will have their business logo displayed at a lane and at the check-in area. The deadline to sign up for a sponsorship is Thursday, Aug. 31.

This year there will not be dedicated lanes just for kids. However, the teams of six can include kids and adults. Last year’s event sold out quickly. Reserve your lanes by contacting The Center at 941-778-1908. Tickets are also available online at www.centerami.org/events. All proceeds from the bowling tournament will go to support The Center of Anna Maria Island, a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to serving residents and visitors on and around Anna Maria Island.

Bins Be Clean fleet expands

Growth in business means growth in the Bins Be Clean fleet as owner Nate Welch adds a third truck to serve more clients. The business, which serves Anna Maria Island, west Bradenton, Longboat Key, Siesta Key and parts of Sarasota, is a trash bin and dumpster cleaning company. In an Aug. 4 press release, Welch said that the company takes care of what is generally a nasty chore for property owners at an affordable price. To learn more about the company or schedule service, visit www.binsbeclean.com or call 941-778-0020.

Chamber Business Card Exchange at Floridays

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its next business card exchange at Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar, 12332 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton. The event will be held indoors from 5-7 p.m. The fee is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members. Bring business cards to exchange; anyone who brings a raffle prize will be recognized when their prize is given away.

To attend, RSVP to ingrid@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541.