Taylor Kellstrom has found a way for Santa Clarita residents to help kids who are hospitalized and unable to spend the holidays at home with their families.
Kellstrom, an ambassador for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, organizes the annual “Bowling for Kids” fundraiser at Valencia Lanes. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9, Kellstrom is renting out the entire bowling alley and guests can either purchase an entire bowling lane or single bowler tickets. Now in its seventh year, the event has raised close to $35,000 for the hospital.
“The hospital does miracles for these children who often have to go through extremely difficult situations at such a young age,” he said. “They run strictly on donations and the way the staff interacts with each child and the out-of-the-box things they do like celebrity visits is a blessing to see.”
The fundraiser also has a personal meaning to Kellstrom, who was a patient at the Children’s Hospital after a motocross accident as a child. He said he still volunteers time at the hospital to visit the kids and share his story with them.
The event will also feature a toy drive and silent auction. Kellstrom said that over the years more businesses have become involved in the fundraiser, which has allowed him to raise more money and to hold the auction
“When I was 21, I wanted to do an event to raise money for the hospital and I decided to do a bowling event because it’s a simple, affordable activity that anyone can do,” Kellstrom said. “When I started out it was mostly my friends from college who came, but as time went on, more families with kids started coming, which is what I wanted all along. We make sure that the event is neon bowling so that we have the music and lighting giving us a fun vibe.”
This year’s “Bowling for Kids” fundraiser will take place on Dec. 9. Lanes are available to rent for $125 for five people and individual tickets cost $25. Tickets include shoe rental and lunch. Tickets can be purchased by visiting eventbrite.com and searching for “bowling for kids.”
Tickets can be purchased here.
