Recreation Lanes of Iron Mountain hosted a bowling tournament April 12 that raised $2,300 for the Community Living Center at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center. In the front, from left are veteran residents Jack Hooper, Jon LaCourt and Pat Thomas. In back are Cathy Tomassoni and Joe Tomassoni of Recreation Lanes; veterans Zach Wolf and Robert Allen, who organized the tournament; Katie Maxon, chief of Public Affairs, Veteran Experience and Voluntary Service at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center; Trisha Peterson; and Tom Parkinson. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Recreation Lanes of Iron Mountain recently rolled out a heartwarming event to support the Community Living Center at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.

Sixteen teams came together April 12 for a bowling tournament that raised $2,300 to enhance the lives of veterans at the center.

Katie Maxon, chief of Public Affairs, Veteran Experience, and Voluntary Service at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, noted the impact and importance of the donations.

“The funds help support activities and outings that enrich the quality of life for our residents,” she said.

Monies will be used to purchase arts and crafts supplies, magazines and puzzles for ongoing entertainment and engagement.

“Funds also support outings to restaurants, concerts, museums, the bowling alley and other events,” Maxon added. “We can purchase special meals, like broasted chicken, which is always a favorite, pizza and pasties.”

Beyond entertainment, the donations will help fill gaps for veterans who don’t have personal or family resources, covering essentials such as clothing, shoes and coats.

The tournament was organized by veterans Zach Wolf and Robert Allen, with logistical support from Cathy Tomassoni of Recreation Lanes.

“We were thrilled by the generosity — so many great basket raffle donations came in,” Tomassoni said.

Additional fundraising came from a 50-50 raffle and a strike jackpot. “The 50-50 winner walked away with $530 — definitely a highlight of the day,” she said.

Organizers already are moving forward with plans for the second-annual bowling tournament fundraiser for veterans, tentatively set for April 11, 2027.

Tomassoni noted they changed the format slightly to accommodate more bowlers.

“We actually turned people away because we only had one shift scheduled,” Tomassoni said. “We’re gonna add a shift next year, maybe even a third if we have enough interest.”

Maxon expressed gratitude to Recreation Lanes and all who contributed. “This event shows the power of community and the incredible support our veterans receive,” she said.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.