The annual bowl-a-thon, hosted by the Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA), has been a unique fixture in the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties since the 1970s. Its goal? To tackle the stigma surrounding mental health and support those on their journey to recovery.
“We wanted to create something different,” says TMHA Executive Director Jill Bolster-White. Unlike typical fundraising events like galas or golf tournaments, the Strike Out Stigma! Bowl-A-Thon offers a fun, engaging way for participants to contribute. Teams of five raise $600 through social media to join, making it a community-centered effort.
The bowl-a-thon serves as the main fundraiser for the Central Coast Hotline. This free, 24/7 hotline provides vital mental health support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. Bolster-White emphasizes its importance, noting how it helps people explore their options during tough times. “It’s crucial to have local resources,” adds Community Engagement Director Michael Kaplan. They aim to complement national hotlines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The hotline has transformed significantly over the years. It was an independent nonprofit until TMHA took over in 2010. Recently, Must! Charities in Templeton awarded TMHA around $500,000 to implement a texting feature. “Younger people often prefer texting over calling,” Kaplan points out. This change has led to hundreds of text interactions each month, enhancing accessibility for those who need help.
The bowl-a-thon will take place from March 27 to 29 and April 3 to 4 at various venues, including Pismo Bowl and Mustang Lanes at Cal Poly. More details can be found at t-mha/events.php.
In broader community news, the Santa Maria-Bonita School District just completed a library upgrade project funded by Title I, ensuring students have access to relevant reading materials. The Lompoc Solid Waste and Urban Forestry divisions are also hosting an Earth Day event on April 18, providing residents with free mulch and compost. Finally, the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company will perform at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts on March 15, showcasing the talents of young dancers.
For immediate help, the Central Coast Hotline is available at (800) 783-0607. These initiatives underline a strong community commitment to mental health and wellness.
Source link
bowl-a-thon,bowling,Central Coast,fundraising,hotline,mental health,mental health service and resources,San Luis Obispo,Santa Barbara County
