Tori Nichols, Jay’s mom, told us that “[i]t was my son's, Jay Nichols, first experience with a Kool Kidz outing.  It was great to walk in and see him interacting with a handful of nice young men his age.  Jay had a great time and a couple of the boys from Pope High School said that Jay scored better than they did at bowling . . . “

As the afternoon unfolded, cheers could be heard from the lanes as strikes and spares were bowled. The players helped the children that needed extra assistance and clapped for them as the pins dropped. The Kool Kidz loved hanging out with the football players, sharing cokes and pizzas and some good laughs. “Doug & Jimmy Reynolds had a "blast"! They really enjoyed having "teenagers" spend some time with them” said Kathy Reynolds, their mother.  “. . . They loved the attention and they really loved "beating those big guys!"  Mary Rich, Amanda’s mom, said Bowling with a Buddy was a "home run" event, or should I say . . . a "TOUCHDOWN!"  Amanda started beaming as soon as she saw those football players and didn't quit smiling the rest of the day.  A typical supervised bowling event is great, but bowling with a group of teen football stars . . . well that's just phenomenal!!  Thanks to those guys who stepped out of their comfort zone to offer an afternoon of friendship that Amanda will talk about for a long time. “ 

Several days later, the Kool Kidz cheered on their new football buddies at the Cobb Senior Bowl Tournament that was held on January 12, 2008.   The “Americans” team won the tournament, 27-24.   Kool Kidz Foundation would like to thank Martha and Michael Siano for organizing the Bowl With  A Buddy event and for asking the Kool Kidz Foundation to participate in such an exciting program and event, that will hopefully continue for years to come.  Although the tournament was fun, Michael and Martha summed it up best when they said, "It was such a significant contribution to the Cobb Senior Bowl having the Kool Kidz participate in our Buddy Bowling event.  The excitement, determination and heart of the Kool Kidz touched everyone - the football players, their parents, the coaches and especially us - because we believe that the presence of all children reminds us of how precious life is, and what a gift they are to us."