Join us as we strike down barriers to abortion!
Bowl-a-Thon is an annual fundraiser and we want YOU to get involved! We're aiming to raise $5,000 through this year's event. Will you join us?
"I'm in! How do I get started?"
Use the links above to start a team, join a team, donate, or just spread the word!
"Sounds cool, but I'm busy that day."
"I don't like bowling!"
Fortunately, there's no *actual* bowling required! Time at the lanes is just a fun perk for fundraising. You can sign up with some buddies as a team, or register as an individual, and viola! You're all set to fundraise virtually. No rental shoes needed!
“I want to join in, but I’m not in St. Louis!”
We’d love to have your team participate from afar!
Shoot us a message to let us know if you’re having a satellite bowling event so that we can help advertise it, and sign up your team(s) above.
"OMG I love bowling! But I don't really have time to fundraise..."
Well, we think fundraising through this website is super easy: when you register, your fundraising page is pre-set with text and all you have to do is customize it with your goal and any bells, whistles, or kitten GIFs you like. Then, a quick email, text, or Facebook post can go a long way in getting your peeps to give! Plus our fabulous event coordinators will be here to give you tips, tricks, and support all along the way.
BUT, we know a lot of people can't spend a whole lot of time in front of a computer. If that's you, not to worry! You can collect donations in cash or check and bring them to our event, mail them to us, or just invite your folks to attend and give on bowling day.
"I'm totes on board with abortion access, but fundraising for it might lead to some awkward conversations at Thanksgiving."
We feel ya. Talking about abortion can be really tricky. when you register, you have the option to display -- or not display -- your name. You can fundraise under a silly/kooky/sexy alias. We won't tell anyone.
Also, fundraising through this website is totally confidential: only us and the National Network of Abortion Funds see your information and we will not share it with anyone or any outside organization.
"What do team captains do? What do team members do?"
Team captains lead the charge. They register their team, then choose 3-5 other members for their team (who register separately and then join their team). Team captains will also make sure their team members meet their personal fundraising goals. Captains will be the primary contact for the event.
"I want to sponsor the event! But how?"
The Bowl-a-Thon is a great team-building activity for organizations and businesses. Since sponsors also get shout-outs on our social media pages and recognized at the event, sponsorship is also an awesome way to raise awareness of your organization and show your support for the community! Sign on as a sponsor to get your folks into the Bowl-a-Thon or just to show your support for a great cause: email
Gateway Women’s Access Fund for more information.
"Bowling is awesome... but what does my donation support?"
GWAF is a nonprofit run by a group of volunteers who raise money to help other Missourians access abortion care. Since our launch last year, we are working to raise our fund base and form agreements with providers in Missouri, and also in Illinois and Kansas where Missourians frequently travel for the procedure. The money you raise will help pay for abortion care for those who cannot afford the full cost of an abortion.
In Missouri, the following restrictions on abortion were in effect as of December 1, 2015:
- A woman must receive state-directed counseling that includes information designed to discourage her from having an abortion and then wait 72 hours before the procedure is provided. Counseling must be provided in person and must take place before the waiting period begins, thereby necessitating two separate trips to the facility.
- Abortion is covered in private insurance policies only in cases of life endangerment, unless an optional rider is purchased at an additional cost.
- Health plans that will be offered in the state’s health exchange under the Affordable Care Act can only cover abortion when the woman’s life is endangered.
- Abortion is covered in insurance policies for public employees only in cases of life endangerment.
- The use of telemedicine for the performance of medication abortion is prohibited.
- The parent of a minor must consent before an abortion is provided.
- Public funding is available for abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest.
(From Guttmacher Institute, http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/sfaa/missouri.html)
We are bowling to make abortion an affordable option for low-income Missouri residents. Join us!
