An online campaign to raise money for Ellsworth’s nostalgic candlepin bowling alley has netted more than $250,000 after being featured on CBS News Sunday Morning on Aug. 9.
Autumn Mowery, who was just 18 when she took over Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley, will use the money to expand her business, which has been in operation under various owners since 1974.
The business, a cornerstone of Ellsworth’s social scene where families host birthday parties and friends compete in pool leagues, is one of a dwindling number of candlepin bowling alleys in Maine.
“This new fundraiser isn’t about keeping the lights on, it’s about turning the lights up even brighter,” Mowery said on the GoFundMe page. “I have exciting expansion ideas and additional entertainment projects I’d love to see happen that would continue transforming the bowling alley. Every dollar raised will go directly back into improvements and additions that benefit this community.”
Since she began running the bowling alley in 2021, Mowery, now 24, has revamped the aging community space, which is centered around candlepin bowling, a distinct New England sport. Mowery herself fixed the aging equipment — which dates back to the 1940s — for all 12 bowling lanes and renovated the pool hall, replaced the arcade games and installed a new golf simulator, among other building improvements.
“It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind,” Mowery told the Bangor Daily News Monday morning. “We are waiting a couple days just to get our thoughts together, and figure out what we are doing, before we say too much to anyone about our plans. In case anything switches, we don’t want to have given incorrect information!”
On Monday morning, the candlepin alley’s Facebook page asked community members to vote on seven neon carpet designs that would be part of the alley’s remodeling, according to the post. Within 45 minutes, the post had attracted 153 comments.
After Mowery appeared on CBS News Sunday Morning, in a segment that lasted more than 7 minutes, the fundraising campaign had secured more than $246,000. Roughly 3,000 people have contributed since the story aired.
The fundraiser’s largest contribution was a $5,000 donation, while someone else donated $2,500.
Prior to the show’s airing, the campaign had amassed $725 since March, according to the post’s donations.
“The amount of money has been amazing, and I promise you guys that I will keep you updated with everything,” Mowery said in an emotional thank you video she posted Monday afternoon. “This is really your money that you have invested, so I’ll make sure you guys see exactly where it goes [in] the future of this business. Thank you from the bottom of my heart — thank you.”
“Our area doesn’t have many local entertainment options. Families often have to travel far just to find something fun to do together,” Mowery said on the fundraising page. “I truly believe this community deserves more — more activities, more experiences, and more reasons to stay local and create memories right here at home.”