By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

PELHAM – More than 200 bowlers packed Oak Mountain Lanes in Pelham the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 25, but this wasn’t an ordinary bowling tournament.

Instead, the teams came together for a greater cause and in all, helped raise more than $17,000 for the Helena Miracle League.

The fundraiser dubbed “Bowling for a Miracle” helped fund the future home of the 125-foot baseball field that will sit on a plot of land roughly 2.5 acres behind Joe Tucker Park in Helena. This ballpark will feature ADA accessible restrooms, a pavilion area, concession stand and a disability accessible parking lot.

All 32 lanes were filled with bowlers of all skill levels as Helena Miracle League Ambassador Bo Bice and recording artist Jessica Meuse served as celebrity co-hosts for the event.

In addition to the two hours of bowling, there was a silent auction featuring a number of unique items, door prizes, food and team prizes for the most money raised and the highest score.

The Helena Miracle League’s mission is to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League Baseball, regardless of their abilities, promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues and promote the construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families.

Other alternative uses for the future field in Helena could include visits from nursing home members for exercise, kickball, soccer and Special Olympics events.

The Helena Miracle League continues to host a wide-range of fundraisers to help with the project and more information can be found at Facebook.com/HMLAngels/ or Helenamiracleleague.com.