Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue (MHRR) hosts Bunny Bowl 2016 at Circle Bowl on Florida Boulevard from 3 to 5 p.m. this Saturday, May 7.
The eighth annual fundraiser includes a bowling tournament and an online and silent auction featuring 100 items. Four-person teams can compete to win bunny bowling pin first-, second- and third-place awards for single-game scores in the adult, kids ages 16 and under, regular and with bumpers (any age) divisions.
Of the 70 guests who attended last year’s event, 40 participated in the bowling tournament. Combined with the auction, the event raised approximately $1,500.
This year, the auction is much larger, and pledges for the “hop away” items alone have totaled more than $3,000.
The Bunny Bowl is the biggest fundraiser for Baton Rouge’s only rabbit rescue.
Just as importantly, “It’s like a reunion of sorts,” explains MHRR founder Wendy Lincoln. “Several former volunteers and adopters come from [everywhere] to see one another. This year, we’re expecting people from Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Kentucky and Massachusetts.”
Since 2004, MHRR has rescued and rehomed approximately 1,100 animals—an average of 100 rabbits a year plus 20 guinea pigs and a miscellaneous rat or hamster. “We keep a waiting list year-round,” Lincoln says. “In summer, it often piles up to around 100 bunnies due to all the ‘unexpected litters.’”
Besides taking in unwanted animals from the public, MHRR also receives pets from animal shelters throughout south and central Louisiana.
Just last weekend, MHRR took in a litter of 13 baby bunnies (after a family found out the hard way that they did not have two female rabbits), another rabbit surrendered directly by an owner and two more rabbits from a local shelter.
The Bunny Bowl is purposely scheduled a couple weeks after Easter. In late spring and early summer, the rescue typically sees a spike in demand for its services as some people tire of caring for their Easter bunnies and want to toss them out like stale Peeps. Also, with potential adopters and fosters out of town during the summer months, funds are quickly depleted on supplies ranging from hay to veterinary expenses.
“We have been blessed that it has become so successful that we can afford the basics and also get an item or two from our wish list,” Lincoln reports. This year, MHRR is hoping to purchase professional signage for their recently acquired truck as well as a storage shed to house all the spare carriers, cages, exercise pens, hay and food. The space would allow the rescue to buy supplies in bulk and centralized access for volunteers, fosters and adopters.
While bowlers can pre-register for the tournament online, walk-in registration is available on the day of the event.
The online auction features 350 items. Besides offering restaurant gift certificates, spa products and other popular little luxuries, the auction has become a big attraction for bunny lovers because it specializes in hard-to-find rabbit-themed items, many of which are one-of-a-kind creations by artists on Etsy.
Auction items are available for viewing and pre-bidding on Facebook until 8 p.m. on Friday, May 6. Items can be shipped to the highest bidders, if they are unable to attend the event. MHRR also offers “Hop-Away” option, which is a buy-it-now price.
Admission to the venue is free. There is a $20 fee per bowling participant. For more information, visit magichappensrescue.com.
Creature feature
MHRR has beautiful bunnies available for adoption including:
Sweet Pea is an adult, male short-coated mini lop. An active 3-year-old, this black beauty doesn’t mind being around people; but, he doesn’t actively seek people out unless there are treats.
Jade is an adult female short-coated bunny rabbit mix. Jade and her sister, Emery, paired off early and would like to be adopted together. They’re active and curious but not keen on being held/petted.
Squirrel is an adult female lionhead/bunny rabbit mix. This 1-year-old and several of her siblings came to MHRR as part of a neglect case. Squirrel is a little timid and doesn’t seem to enjoy being around cats and dogs, but enjoys being petted.
Two-Tone is a medium adult male bunny rabbit. Two-Tone, Squirrel and their siblings were house pets for a short time. Then, due to an illness in the human family, they were relegated to the garage until MHRR rescued them. They were thin and in poor condition. Now, they are gaining weight and social skills every day.
London is an adult female Florida white rabbit. She is a very interactive and inquisitive bunny and would love to be part of someone’s family. She will happily let humans pet her head in exchange for treats.
Mr. Bunny & Mimsey are a bonded pair of Holland lops. Mr. Bunny is a 1-1/2-year old male with a great temperament; Mimsey is a 1-year-old female, who is a little shy.
These and many other adoptable bunnies and rabbits are available at Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue’s website or Facebook page.
