Maple Family Centers Hits $1M Milestone for Veterans, Plus 33 New Alleys on BAiO

The bowling world lost a legend this week with the passing of Mort Luby Jr., the journalism icon who stewarded Bowlers Journal for decades. But we also saw some incredible milestones — like Maple Family Centers hitting $1 million in veteran donations and 33 new alleys joining our platform.

🎳 On the Lanes

The PBA World Series of Bowling XVII wrapped up in Minneapolis with some serious rookie power. Alex Horton claimed his second title of the season at the PBA Shark Championship, becoming the first rookie to win multiple titles this year. The 22-year-old is making quite the statement after winning the Tournament of Champions just weeks earlier.

Zach Wilkins became the season's first two-time champion with his PBA Scorpion Championship victory, while Darren Tang made history by becoming the first player ever to win PBA Tour titles as both a one-handed and two-handed bowler. Talk about versatility.

📣 Industry News

Maple Family Centers achieved something pretty special — crossing the $1 million mark in donations to veterans' charities through Bowlers to Veterans Link. The LaSpina family's small bowling center operation launched a "Race to the Million" campaign during their 65th anniversary year and hit their goal months ahead of schedule. Between tournaments, customer round-ups, and matching contributions, they've shown how the bowling community rallies around those who served.

The industry also said goodbye to Mort Luby Jr., the legendary publisher of Bowlers Journal International who passed away just shy of his 95th birthday. Luby earned 42 national writing awards and helped create the Bowling Center Architecture and Design Awards that's still running today.

📍 New on BAiO

We added 33 new bowling alleys this week, with a heavy focus on Illinois. Some highlights include Don Carter Lanes in Rockford, The Cherry Bowl (also in Rockford), and Players Corner in Aurora. We also launched our Best Bowling in Cleveland, OH city guide for anyone looking to knock down pins in Ohio.

🏆 New League Spots

Bowlers hunting for league nights just got 21 more options this week. New league-friendly spots include Baden Bowl in New Baden, IL and Four Seasons Sports in Sycamore, IL. Check out the full bowling leagues directory to find your next team home.

📊 Stat of the Week

This week's standout addition is Hank's Bowl Inc Lounge and Restaurant in Trenton, IL, sporting a solid 4.8/5 rating with 173 Google reviews. When a place has nearly 200 reviews and still maintains that high of a rating, you know they're doing something right — probably great food to go with those strikes.

📰 Sources

• Maple Family Centers Goes Over $1 Million in BVL Support — Bowling Center Management
• Bowling Journalism Legend Mort Luby Jr. Passes Away — Bowling Center Management
• Alex Horton Wins Second Title of Rookie Season in PBA Shark Championship — PBA
• Zach Wilkins Becomes First Two-Time Champion of Season with PBA Scorpion Championship Title — PBA
• Darren Tang Wins PBA Chameleon Championship — PBA