All 16 of the Concordia Lanes were full of teams bowling for fun and bragging rights, all while supporting a good cause. In a brochure made for the event, the memorial foundation said proceeds would help go toward state-of-the-art AEDs, lifts, stands, vital sign machines, slings, and several other pieces of equipment.

Registered Dietitian Jessica Weisbrich said some changes were made to this year’s event in the fundraising area.

“We have some excellent silent auction items that were donated by different people throughout the community, along with a grand prize at a resort,” she said. “We also did a wine pull this year as something a little bit different.”

Weisbrich said by having events like this, they hope to keep up with continuing expenses and continue providing quality care.

The Girl Power bowling group showed up in style and numbers for the Oak Hills Memorial Foundation Bowling Classic Monday. Some members have attended the classic since it began 21 years ago. Members include Sonja Freiderich, Joyce Glaser, Elaine Paa, Sandy Reinke, Julie Reinarts, Brenda Walden, Jane Sturm, Wendy Domeier, Carey Kittler, Susie Anderson, Jane Brown, and Pat Rolloff (L-R)

“Obviously we have expenses nonstop,” she said. “As many people have heard with long-term care, we aren’t reimbursed probably as well as we should be. Our expenses don’t slow down. We have different needs for the residents, which we have our foundation do fundraising throughout the year to provide those needs.”

Weisbrich said some people registered solo and were put into a team, while others had teams all ready to go. She estimated over 100 people had shown up to enter the bowling classic.

Sandy Reinke brought her own crew with her. She was part of multiple teams that carried the Girl Power branding. She, Elaine Paa, and some other members have participated in the classic since the beginning.

As for the team name, Reinke said her mom came up with the name after finding the name online. From there, others wanted to get in on the fun.

“The other teams decided that they wanted to bowl with us because we had so much fun,” she said. “So they all went to the wannabes and there’s the wannabe twos and threes and now we just have a great time.”

Reinke said the event is nice because it provides a fun opportunity to get together with others indoors. Of course, most years the temperatures are a lot colder than the 50s felt on Monday. Supporting Oak Hills and what it provides is key to Reinke.

“Oak Hills is an absolute treasure for us to have in New Ulm,” she said. “If we don’t all work at making sure it can stay here, we may not have a place. Our family may have to drive two hours to see us if it’s not open. We got to do what we can.”

As the owner of Bailey Creek Boutique, Reinke said the classic holds a special place for her and the other Girl Power bowlers. It is the one day a year she closes her store to attend an event.

“They all take off work for the day,” Reinke said. “In fact, I close my shop. This is the only day of the year I do this type of thing so we can all participate and my employees can be here too.”