The General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Cranston Community Women’s Club held their inaugural “Bowling for a Cause” to benefit the Cranston Family Center (CFC) on Saturday, March 19 at Lang’s Bowlarama.

“All donations benefited the CFC, which works with families to remove obstacles that inhibit their ability to actively participate in their child’s education,” said Paula Andrews, President Cranston Community Women’s Club.

The GFWC Cranston Community Women’s Club was established 49 years ago. GFWC is an international organization with clubs all over the world. 

There are five clubs in Rhode Island: Cranston, South County, Warwick, Bristol and Wampanoag. Each Club determines and organizes its own projects.

“We are an organization committed to making a difference through volunteer work and community service projects,” Andrews said.

Over 40 people participated in the bowling event.

“We were thrilled that some of the agency’s workers participated,” Andrews said.

Grace Swinsky, co-coordinator at the Cranston Family Center, said it was a great time.

“It was lots of fun. A good amount of people were there to support the Family Center. I would say maybe 10 lanes. We were just enjoying ourselves and seeing how many gutter balls we could get,” she joked.

The event raised almost $1,000.

“Half will go to the Cranston Family Center and the other half will fund scholarships for two graduating seniors, one from Cranston East and one from Cranston West. Applicants must be actively involved in community service and are chosen based on the essay they submit,” Andrews said.

They have several social events planned -- one at Arctic Playhouse and a trivia night at Valley Country Club.

The group regularly volunteers at a local school serving lunch each week and at a local church where they help with the food pantry.

Swinsky and her co-coordinator, Robin Gervais, plan to use the funds raised for future programming and education.

“This fundraiser was a great success, and we plan to make it an annual event,” said Andrews.

To learn more about GFC, go to please email INFO@gfwcri.org.