Silly Sock Saturdays Hosting Bowling Fundraiser July 25

Zachary Kirkland was in middle school when he started his own non-profit called Silly Sock Saturdays. Now a rising senior at Lake Wales High School, Zachary continues his mission of making hospital stays more pleasant for children by providing them a gift bag with silly socks, toys, games and other items.

"Being able to help those in a hard and stressful situation is the reason for creating the nonprofit and getting to hear the feedback and know that what I do invokes a smile is all just an added bonus," Zachary said. Deliveries have been shut down due to the COVID-19 virus, but Zachary is working hard to raise support to restart as soon as possible. The nurses tell him how much the children at Lakeland Regional appreciate their gift bags.

Zachary will host his 3rd annual bowling fundraiser on Saturday, July 25 to support his monthly deliveries. This year's event takes place at Cypress Lanes Family Fun Center on Dundee Road in Winter Haven from 7 to 9 p.m. A $20 ticket gets you bowling, shoe rental and a prize raffle ticket. DJ Mini C Productions will be on hand with a photo booth. Check-in starts at 6:30 p.m. and the entire bowling alley is reserved for the event, to help with proper social distancing.

A discount is available until July 24 for $12 pre-sale tickets, which can be purchased at https://sillysocksaturdays.ecwid.com/ Donations also can be made online. A combo package of a bowling ticket and T-shirt is available for $22, and shirts are on sale for $15 each, with a $2 upcharge for larger sizes.

Since the bowling alley is within Winter Haven city limits, masks are required, with some exceptions, including while people are eating.

Numerous businesses are sponsoring the fundraiser at $100, $250 or $500 or have donated raffle prizes. Those wishing to purchase raffle prize chances need cash or checks, as credit card purchasing will not be available.

Sponsors include Professional Tax Consultants, Tonya Stewart Law, Aventail Wealth Management, Brew Hounds Sports Lounge, Forni Dental, Spa Haven, Christina Richards State Farm, the Covey-Durrance families, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, and Rotary on the Ridge.

Donors of raffle prizes include Walt Disney World, Family Fun Center, Tampa Zoo at Lowry Park, Huston Cadillac Buick GMC, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Aldi, Gourmet Goodies Bake Shop, Fun Spot America, Capo Security, Crayola Experience, Card My Yard, Paddleboard Winter Haven, WonderWorks, Sonny's BBQ, Tractor Supply, Bartow Ford, Wawa, The Krazy Greek, Lowe's, The Florida Aquarium, Chili's, Silver Moon Drive-In, Harry's Old Place, Sizzling Grill Steak and Seafood and Bistro Ovation & Bar.