The new year brings hope and opportunity for everyone. Helping others is paramount to success not only for businesses but for one’s soul. It is how people of all backgrounds can join together for a single goal and work towards exceeding the issue confronting them. The joy most people have in providing assistance to those in need is often not just measured by dollars and cents.
Taking that thought into practice, a local, non-profit organization has an annual event to help raise money and awareness for its Special Olympics team.
AccessPoint RI will host its Annual Pin Pal Party on Thursday, March 12, at Lang’s Bowlarama, 225 Niantic Road, Cranston. This event takes place from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Funds raised will help cover the costs for new uniforms, equipment and travel for their Special Olympians.
AccessPoint RI Director of Development Jen McAustin said it was her goal to outfit the team after several members made this Save 10% on select Rhode Island stores when you sign up for our free online monthly magazine.Subscribe For Free & Save 10%
“I wanted to do something indoors that is family-friendly and would get people out and meet other like-minded professionals,” she said. “Bowling is a sport that most people enjoy; it builds teamwork and forges relationships. Being able to do this to aid our athletes is wonderful. They are really hoping to have new track suits that they can wear to events such as this one.
“Attendees who contribute to this event will be part of the happy smiles that will be beaming on these athlete’s faces,” McAustin continues. “Bowling is a quiet, indoor activity that doesn’t require intense physical movement. We have members who range in age from 19 to 81 who enjoy the sport.”
Companies and individuals are encouraged to form teams of up to six players. Each sponsorship level includes bowling for two hours with shoe rental, enjoying pizza and soda. Plus, attendees will have a chance to win raffle prizes that were donated by local merchants, and potentially stay for a post-event comedy show sponsored by Funny4Funds.
Regarding their Special Olympics team, nicknamed the Cougars, Jen said the group plays softball and track in addition to bowling. They will attend this event and hope others will join them in supporting the cause.
Jen said there are several ways to get involved:
For $50, individuals may participate by joining one of their networking teams.
Teams of six can be purchased for $300.
If teams donate $600, then they also receive a swag bag and T-shirts.
For the $1,000 level, they are given VIP status, which includes the things mentioned above plus an exclusive comedy show performance by Funny4Funds. This event will take place inside The Nelson Room inside Lang’s, following the bowling, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
They have one Presenting Sponsor slot available. For $10,000, benefits include everything previously mentioned plus two VIP teams at this event plus admission to AccessPoint RI two other events in 2026.
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There are several raffle items up for grabs. McAustin said they welcome donations from anyone in the community. Restaurant gift cards, baskets, and tickets to events are great raffle item ideas.
For those who cannot attend, but would like to help, McAustin has one more opportunity.
“Anyone who cannot come to the event, but could donate at least $100, that would allow one of our Special Olympians to bowl,” she said. “Doing this will provide the financial backing to someone who may not get to do this otherwise. It’s a wonderful gesture of giving to someone in need and providing then with an opportunity they get to enjoy.”
Located at 111 Comstock Parkway in Cranston, AccessPoint RI is a non-profit, human services organization established in 1965 to provide children and adults with developmental disabilities the means to lead full and productive lives.
Sixty years ago, parents of adults with disabilities banded together to establish an environment to foster the learning and personal growth of their family members. Initially located in the basement of a local church, within six years, the agency had erected a building to house services for 100 children and adults with disabilities. Today, the agency continues to honor these roots, keeping its commitment to meet the needs of families through providing the highest quality of services.
Under the direction of Tracey Martins, President and CEO, and governed by its Board of Directors, AccessPoint now provides supportive services for more than 600 adults with developmental disabilities and children with a myriad of needs. The agency specializes in services for children and adults with cognitive, physical and medical needs, supporting each person to live to his or her fullest potential. Numerous AccessPoint’s services are offered throughout Rhode Island.
For more details regarding AccessPoint RI, please call Jen McAustin at 401-270-0687 or at jmcaustin@accesspointri.org.
For more information regarding the Pin Pal Party, please visit their website at
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/6f67mtb.
