Nearly 50 kids and their families from the DPR Foundation-supported New Hope for Kids organization came out for the first ever “Pumpkin Bowl” event at the Brunswick Wekiva Lanes in Apopka, FL. Held on Oct. 26, the nearly four-hour event was sponsored by DPR’s Orlando office.

According to DPR’s Maritza Mojica, who serves as a liaison between DPR’s Orlando office and the organization, the event was a success, with a great turnout and everyone having fun. In addition to bowling and enjoying DPR-provided refreshments, some of the children, and even their parents, wore costumes in anticipation of Halloween and participated in a costume contest, she said.

In total, nine DPR employees along with three family members came out to facilitate bowling, help with set up and clean up, and cheer the kids on. Because a lot of children that attend the organization are dealing with terminal illnesses or severe disabilities, Mojica said a lot of the volunteer time was spent just ensuring the families were able to enjoy their time together and bowl. The participating kids and teens ranged in age from five to 19 years old.

Based in Maitland, FL, New Hope for Kids assists Central Florida children in need through its two programs, the Center for Grieving Children, which helps children and families cope with the feelings of grief and loss after the death of a loved one, and Children’s Wish, which grants wishes to children, ages three to 18, diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

New Hope for Kids is one of 15 youth organizations nationally awarded a total of $825,000 in grants by the DPR Foundation in 2012. Since December 2010, the DPR Foundation has supported New Hope for Kids with grants totaling $95,000. Additionally, DPR Orlando volunteers participate in annual back-to-school, holiday food and holiday toy drives benefitting the organization, among other activities.