Rolling Forward: Community Powers the 23rd Bowling for Autism

On Saturday, April 25, the lanes at AMF Town and Country Lanes in Columbia came alive, with pins clattering, laughter rising, and a clear purpose pulsating through every frame we bowled. From 11 AM to 1 PM, our 23-time bowling event gathered families, individuals we support, staff, sponsors, and neighbors into something more than a mere event. For the 150 people present, it lives as a memory.

Teams laced up rented shoes, shared slices of pizza and stories, and sent bowling balls rummaging down polished wood - each roll becoming a compassionate act, each act a step in the right direction. Some chased a perfect game. Others were happy to be present around others. It didn’t matter. Because here, impact has no say on the scoreboard, but in everything that we build.

Three snapshots from the day capture it well: full lanes mid-game, a group of workers gathered at the information table, and sponsor John Cleek Jr. and event leader Tara Wehmeyer - steady hands behind a tradition that has now raised over $625,000 - smiling as the room darted around them.

Cleek organizes the event every year. His son, Thomas, has mild autism. "Our youngest son, Thomas, he's 26 now, but he has mild autism, so that's kind of how we got started with this organization many years ago,"Cleek told ABC 17 News. "Now we've just got to keep this thing going and, you know, look forward to hearing maybe ten years or so, we'll break a million bucks." 

Earlier that morning, steam gathered in another form. A generous check from Bob McCosh Chevrolet arrived under-the-radar, but with every bit of gratitude, further fueling our mission, and a loud reminder that community shows up in many, many ways.

All proceeds from the day directly support Easterseals Midwest services across Missouri, opening doors to resources, opportunity, and independence.

Every minute and every hand present drove us toward our goal of creating awareness. And we’re ready for some more.

**NOTE** Easterseals Midwest may have photographers and media present at this event. Photographic images and video taken during the event are the property of Easterseals Midwest and may be used for promotional purposes. By registering to attend, you irrevocably consent to the use of photos and video containing your image—and/or the images of those you have registered—without compensation.