The Sharks Foundation's fifth annual Sharks and Strikes bowling fundraiser brought the community together for a night of friendly competition and fundraising on November 28. More than 300 fans and supporters, as well as the entire Sharks roster, coaching staff, broadcasters, alumni and for the first time, San Jose Barracuda, raised a record $71,000 for youth and families in need in the Bay Area.
Bowlero San Jose hosted 50 lanes filled with guests and their favorite Sharks celebrities, including Joe Pavelski, Brent Burns, Patrick Marleau and of course S.J. Sharkie. Throughout the evening, these participants bowled alongside two different celebrities, giving them the rare opportunity to interact in a family-friendly, low-key environment. A silent auction and raffle, featuring various Sharks memorabilia and unique experiences, was also included in the evening.
Amidst the Foundation's Season of Giving campaign, $5,000 was donated to
Cake4Kids
. The non-profit, which bakes and delivers custom birthday cakes to foster children and at-risk youth, began in Sunnyvale, in 2010. Now Cake4Kids, with the help of 400 volunteers, is able to bake 1,700 cakes per year for more than 55 agencies. The Sharks Foundation's monetary contribution will eventually turn into 200 cakes for the organization to distribute throughout the new year.