When Fulton's Brandon Irwin was injured after a car struck his motorcycle, Boone County road crews lost a worker they consider a hero - and the Fulton Bowling Center, a regular patron.
That's why the bowling alley is hosting the Brandon Irwin Family Benefit bowling day and raffle 4-6 p.m. May 31. For a $10 entry fee, patrons can bowl and buy raffle tickets to win a number of prizes including a new Motiv bowling ball.
"He was one of our bowlers, and we just thought we'd help him and the family out," Oscar Maddox of the bowling center said.
Irwin was sent to the hospital with several broken bones and kidney damage after a car merging across several lanes struck his motorcycle in April. Though he remained in Columbia's University Hospital in serious condition for several days after the accident, Maddox said Irwin has since been moved Rusk Rehabilitation Center and his condition continues to improve.
Irwin was also named a recipient of the American Red Cross Lifesaver Award when, while plowing snow-covered roads, he came upon a stuck ambulance carrying a heart attack victim during a major snowstorm in 2013 and helped get the vehicle arrive at the hospital safely.
In addition to bowling, a flyer for the event states the fundraiser will include at least two 50/50 raffles and a number of raffle items. The Fulton Bowling Center is still looking for donated items from businesses or individuals for the raffle.
Items $50 or more will be raffled off individually, and items of a smaller value will be bundled in a gift package. Items can be donated by May 28 by calling (573) 592-1000.