Bowling for a cause

FOSTORIA — Even if bowling is just an occasional endeavor for someone, an opportunity to roll a couple of games and benefit Fostoria youngsters at the same time is available Saturday evening.The Fostoria-based IMagINe for Youth foundation, founded by former Fostoria High School football star Micah Hyde, who went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL, will host its first bowling fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday at Bowlero Lanes, 1090 U.S. Route 23.Funds raised from the event will go toward continuing to stock the Caring Closets at Fostoria City Schools.Autumn Clouse, a member of IMagINe's board of trustees, said lanes were filling up quickly, but people were still welcome to go to the lanes to enjoy the festivities, which will include various types of drawings, including a special one for those who bring actual items that can be put into the Caring Closets.The Caring Closets are located in different locations at the junior/senior and elementary schools and provide various goods, such as snacks or hygiene items, to students who may need them at some point in a day. Tonya Hinke, a caseworker for the schools, coordinates the Caring Closets."Those are no cost to the students if they're in need of hygiene products — anything from shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, to even laundry detergent — because some kids just don't have those things at home," Clouse said. "We've done it based upon their needs."Twelve lanes will be available to bowlers, with costs being $100 for a team of four or $25 per individual. Fees includes two games of bowling, shoe rental and access to a pizza buffet and pitchers of soda pop."The Caring Closets are kept open all year long," Clouse said. "So, even when school's out, the kids can come in if they need food or any type of hygiene product."The concept of IMagINe for Youth developed as a class project when Hyde was attending the University of Iowa. It formalized in 2017, after Hyde left the Green Bay Packers in free agency to join the Buffalo Bills. Its flagship events have been the annual Micah Hyde Football Camp in Fostoria and Micah Hyde Charity Softball Game in Buffalo. New this year will be a golf event in Iowa City.Now retired from football, Hyde has said he plans to devote more time to his foundation, which has his wife, Amanda, as president, and his mother, Pam Moore, as vice president.Those wishing to secure a lane for Saturday's event should call Bowlero Lanes at 419-435-3990 after 4 p.m., on weekdays.