The Bowling Foundation will team with the Sam Levine Flowers for the Living Award, and the partnership will begin with the presentation of the 2009 award which will be given within the next few weeks.

The Flowers Award is one of the most prestigious distinctions given in the bowling industry. The award, like the foundation, is unique because it is totally independent of any company or organization.

"We are very excited about teaming up with the Foundation, and we want to thank Foundation President Cathy DeSocio and Executive Director Troy Greisen for having the vision to see the value of this wonderful award," said Flowers Committee Chairman Jim Goodwin.

Started in 1961, the Flowers for the Living Award was inspired by the Flowers for the Living poem written by Ohio Associated Press editor Fritz Howell, one of the founders and a member of the first committee. Other founders were: Sam Levine, Cleveland Kegler; Steve Crucheon, Detroit Bowlers Digest; Billy Sixty, Milwaukee Journal; Bill Hengen, Minneapolis Star; and Tom Bolger, Toledo Blade.

The award goes to living people who have made exceptional contributions to the growth, welfare and image of bowling. Award winners receive a fresh bouquet of flowers, which are delivered to the recipient's home, and two plaques.

The first plaque features the "Flowers" poem, the second features an inscription written by former committee co-chairman, the late Sam Weinstein. The inscription reads: "This award is not for any great deed or spectacular accomplishment, but just for being a person in our world who truly deserves a pat on the back to let them know we love them and admire them for what they have done and stood for."

The award is managed today by an independent panel of industry writers and executives who nominate candidates and select a winner each year. To maintain its independence and integrity, the ballots are kept secret, and the winners are not revealed until the time of presentation.

"The Bowling Foundation is honored to support this prestigious award that annually recognizes those that are bowling's goodwill ambassadors," said Greisen. "'Giving a helping hand' is written in the words of the poem Flowers for the Living that inspires this award, and that is exactly what The Bowling Foundation is all about. We look forward to strengthening the power and meaning of The Sam Levine Flowers for the Living Award."

Abouth The Bowling Foundation
As the charitable arm of bowling, The Bowling Foundation operates and supports many youth-related programs, organizations and charitable causes through the efforts of bowlers, leagues, associations, and bowling centers. Some of the most important programs include: Bowl For The Cure with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, Special Olympics, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Bowl For Veterans, the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, and various scholarships and grants for schools and youth organizations. For more information, go to www.bowlingfoundation.org.

For more information about the Flowers for the Living Award and a complete list of winners, please visit the Bowling Foundation Web site.