More Than 700 Bowlers Sporting PJs Raise Big Bucks for Foster Kids at Sleep Country USA's Annual Pajama Bowl Events
Fun, Fundraising and a Few Surprises at this Year's Dual-State Benefit for Foster Children

SEATTLE, WA, May 05, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sleepy economy aside, Sleep Country USA's Pajama Bowls raised a record number of cash donations this year. Sleep Country USA's annual dual-state charitable events drew over 700 pajama-clad bowlers who rolled out of bed, headed for the bowling alley and raised $90,000, with 100 percent of participant donations going to regional foster organizations - nearly a twenty percent increase from last year's $77,000 raised. This brings the overall cash donations to more than a quarter of a million dollars since the events started five years ago in Washington and four years ago in Oregon.

Sleep Country USA, the Northwest's largest seller of premium mattress sets, began hosting the Pajama Bowl as a way to expand its philanthropic contribution to the more than 26,000 foster children throughout the Pacific Northwest. "We saw an opportunity to provide extras to these children that are often unmet due to financial constraints, including reuniting with a sibling at summer camp, playing a sport, taking a trip to the zoo, or working with a tutor," said Terry Horsley, vice president of brand strategy, Sleep Country USA. "Once again, the community response to the event has been outstanding. Overcoming the most trying economy of recent times, people still are finding ways to give."

In Washington, over $50,000 was raised, and in Oregon more than $40,000. Teams of five bowlers competed for points in such categories as most money raised, highest bowling scores, and best pajamas, and members of the winning team in each state went home with the grand prize of a brand new Simmons Beautyrest mattress set, also known as the "Bowling Ball" mattress. The remaining teams that placed in the top five were awarded gift certificates for local restaurants, bowling parties, or Latex pillows for each team member. The winning team in Oregon, "Dolls with Balls," played for the Clark County-based foster organization Bridge the Gap, while the winning team in Washington, "Periwinkle Rose," played for Seattle's Treehouse for Kids.

And in a surprising Pajama Bowl first, two participants got engaged! In Kirkland, David Johnson proposed to his girlfriend Julie Milburn while on one knee, utilizing a bullhorn to convey his message. Of course, she said "yes." (Email for a photo of the happy couple)

Missed the fun? There's always an opportunity to help area foster children. Sleep Country USA is currently holding its annual shoe drive for foster kids through May 30th. Donations of new shoes in child and adult sizes can be dropped off at any Oregon or Washington Sleep Country USA location. To find the store nearest to you or for more information about the shoe drive, please visit www.sleepcountry.com or call 1-888-88-SLEEP.

Press Release Contact Information:

Aaron Hilst
Revolution PR
Acct Mgr
220 26th Ave
Seattle, WA
USA 98112
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