Matt Osienski
WESTFIELD – A charity event in Westfield is raising money for the Westfield Little League. The 6th Annual Matt Osienski Memorial Bowling Tournament is taking place on Saturday at Agawam Bowl. Doors open at 4 p.m., with bowling starting at 5 p.m. It’s a $20 cover charge for anyone that is interested in bowling. It costs $10 for people just looking to attend. Pizza is provided but attendees are encouraged to bring their own drinks or alcoholic beverages. Tickets are available at the door.
The event is in memory of Matt Osienski, a Westfield resident who passed away from a car accident in October of 2012. Tom Naro, a life-long friend of Osienski’s who has organized the event the past few years, grew up playing baseball with him and knew that it would be fitting to have all the proceeds go towards the Westfield Little League.
“It’s a nice tribute to him,” said Naro. “We had a lot of good memories.”
Naro and Osienski played baseball together all the way up through the Babe Ruth and high school levels.
“He threw a knuckleball that was like a Tim Wakefield knuckleball,” said Naro. “You had no idea where it was going to end up, that was a pretty cool memory.”
For the bowling aspect of the fundraiser, there will be eight trophies in total, with first place for a number of men’s and women’s divisions.
Besides a night of bowling, the event will also feature several rattle items. For $20, people will have five tickets to choose from prizes like Red Sox tickets, two rounds of golf, and more. For $10, individuals can receive five tickets to select prizes that includes a $40 gift card from Olive Garden, a camping basket, alcohol baskets, a gift certificate for Express Pedicure, and much more.
According to Naro, he pointed out that the event generated around $500 last year and hopes more money can be raised this year.
“It’s just great to be able to give something,” said Naro. “Everyone walks away really happy.”
