Members of the Thompson Middle and High School bowling teams participated in Spirit Night at Zaxby’s at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

According to THS bowling team coach Chris Hollingsworth, Spirit Night was a fundraiser to send the THS varsity girls’ and boys’ Bowling Teams to compete at the Alabama High School Athletic Association South Regional Bowling Championship in Foley.

“Bowling doesn’t have a lot of revenue. In order to cover these large expenses, the team has to raise money,” Hollingsworth said. “Every little bit helps. They bring in a couple hundred dollars here and there, and it helps us to chip away at the overall expense.”

Zaxby’s Alabaster Location General Manager Rebecca Kimmel said Spirit Night is part of a national initiative by Zaxby’s to help local organizations raise money for certain causes.

According to Kimmel, the THS varsity bowling teams will receive 10 percent of the average of sales made between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Dec. 27.

“These kinds of clubs cost a lot of money. They have to raise funds for their uniforms, their trips and the supplies they need. They’ll go around and tell people they’re trying to raise money,” Kimmel said. “It helps us create closer bonds to all of our community groups.”

Kimmel said Spirit Night at Zaxby’s helps donors get to know the people they are helping.

“It allows people to have the opportunity to give money to a person, and not an idea,” Kimmel said. “People are always going to help if it’s a good cause, but when a child comes up to you, it’s a lot easier to give when you can see who it is you’re helping.”

Kimmel said Spirit Night is also a good way to help students learn about personal responsibility by being present and speaking to people.

“It helps them learn that you can’t always get something for nothing. You have to put in the work,” Kimmel said.

Hollingsworth said both teams have done well at the tournament in previous years, and he believes they will continue to succeed.

“Last year, both the boys’ and girls’ teams qualified for state championships after regionals, and we hope to repeat that accomplishment and do even better,” Hollingsworth said. “Competition is always really stiff, but I believe we’re going to do well. We should be able to qualify for state at the very least.”