Saturday was no ordinary bowling game as hundreds of people joined to get together for the 21st annual ‘Bowl Against Abuse’ hosted by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Portage County.

Nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S. every year and one in five children will be abused before they turn 18. Child abuse is an issue not only around the country but here in Portage County, too.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Portage County hosts multiple events throughout the year, but ‘Bowl Against Abuse’ always proves to be their most popular.

“We provide a child-friendly place for kids if they want to come or they have something they want to say or can’t say,” Lucy Wagener, the event director said.

Participants can bowl, dance, and even test their luck in basket raffles, but it’s the love of the volunteers that make the event so successful.

“It just feels so good to be able to give back – we know that there are so many children that benefit from this”

Renee Hysell, event volunteer

“It just feels so good to be able to give back – we know that there are so many children that benefit from this,” Renee Hysell, event volunteer said.

With a total of three sold-out sessions, the Portage County community gathered to strike out child abuse, one pin at a time.

Wagener wants people to remember that there are resources available for those affected by child abuse, and there is a safety net to catch people if they choose to come forward.

If you suspect child abuse, call the CHILDHELP National Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or the Portage County Hotline at 330-296-2273.

“Be a voice for that one child who needs it”

Renee Hysell, event volunteer