July 08, 2026
NEWS RELEASE:
July 8, 2026
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Katie Babcock
Events & Communications Manager
716-853-1381, ext.210
kbabcock@jawny.org
Junior Achievement 40th Anniversary Bowl-A-Thon Sets Third Consecutive Fundraising Record
Funds used to support financial literacy, work readiness programs in WNY schools
Buffalo, N.Y. – Junior Achievement of Western New York (JA) announced that for the third consecutive year, the Bowl-a-Thon has shattered its own fundraising record, making this year's 40th Anniversary event the most successful in the organization's history. An astounding $213,496 raised. The milestone year welcomed ten new companies to the event and saw more than 1100 bowlers from 54 local companies raise funds for JA’s financial literacy, career & work readiness, and entrepreneurship programs. Proceeds from the event allow Junior Achievement to reach thousands of Western New York students in schools and community organizations, while mobilizing hundreds of volunteers.
The fundraising total was announced during a July 7, 2026, press conference at Transit Lanes in Williamsville, the event’s premier bowling venue. Laura Dolan of Bank of America, the event’s Presenting Sponsor, joined Katie Babcock, JA’s Events and Communications Manager, and John Crawford, JA’s President, to unveil the grand total.
National Fuel, led by coordinators Michael Giambrone and James Johnson, took home the top company fundraising award for the fourth year in a row, once again raising over $20,000 for the cause. Bank of America came in second with $14,042 led by coordinators Judy Dec, Alicia Meehan, and Donna Szustak. Tops Friendly Markets came in third with $7,762 led by coordinators Amy Blair-Castro and Joanne Probst and followed closely by Lakelet Capital companies with $7,542 led by coordinator Ava Mrozik-Tipton. M&T Bank joined the top five this year with $7,071 raised and led by coordinators Katie Morrow and Kelsey McNeight. The top new fundraising company with just under $1000 raised is SaveOnSP, led by coordinator Shannon Sommer. Also recognized was the most improved fundraising company, Catholic Health, improving from just $475 raised in 2025 to $4,119 in 2026.
Alex Lent was recognized as the event’s top individual fundraiser after raising $1,900. His efforts earned him an overnight stay at The Westin Buffalo and luggage donated by AAA of Western & Central NY. The runner up for top individual fundraiser was Richard Czop, who raised $1,220 and third place was Kristopher Reumann of Bank of America/Merrill Lynch with $1,020 raised. The top fundraising team, “Medical Bowlfessionals” of Catholic Health, raised a total of $2,475 and will enjoy a happy hour for up to 10 people courtesy of Transit Lanes. The runner up team was “Splits n Giggles” of Bank of America/Merrill Lynch with $1,750 raised and in third place was “Team Lakelet Capital” of Lakelet Capital companies with $1,735 raised for JA students.
“The 40th Annual Junior Achievement of Western New York Bowl-a-thon marks four decades of bringing our community together to invest in the next generation," said Ted Janicki, president, Bank of America Buffalo Niagara. "Partnerships with local nonprofits like Junior Achievement help young people strengthen academic skills, improve career readiness, increase financial literacy and gain valuable job training. Together, we’re empowering Western New York with the tools and confidence to achieve long-term stability and success.”
For information on the JA Bowl-A-Thon, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026-jawny-bowlathon/ or contact Katie Babcock, Events & Communication Manager, at kbabcock@jawny.org or 716-853-1381 x210. Next year’s 41st annual events will take place on March 6, March 13, and May 12, 2027.
Get Involved with Junior Achievement!
Select a button below to see how you or your organization can get involved with Junior Achievement of Western New York, Inc..
