PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) – With a goal to send the future tourism pioneers to college, tourism leaders in Pigeon Forge gathered to bowl for the industry Thursday.
A bowling event at the Pigeon Forge Bowling Center brought dozens of businesses together for a friendly competition. The money raised goes towards paying for scholarships for hospitality majors at Walters State Community College.
Many of the young business professionals use the money for books, gas or even rent.
For the man who started this event 24 years ago, it was even more special because the Pigeon Forge Hospitality and Tourism Association board voted to make this the Ben Humphries Bowling for Tourism Tournament.
“I’ve been very honored that they’ve called the bowling tournament the Ben Humphries Bowling for Tourism Tournament. I started it 24 years ago, and it’s been a labor of love for me, and it’s always a lot of fun to come and participate and meet everybody this time of the year,” said Humphries.
This event has raised close to $200,000 over the past 24 years.
“It’s not just helping me for school, but for some of my books I need for my classes, and it’s taking a lot of that weight off my shoulders. Just because I am having to manage my work schedule and balance it with my school life schedule. So, it’s been helping me a lot,” said Josephine Gonzalez, a freshman scholarship recipient.
Walters State culinary students provided food for the event, showcasing what they’re learning.
Pink Jeep Tours was the overall winner of the bowling tournament on Thursday.
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