On Monday, the Washington Wizards hosted their team fundraiser "The Ballers Bowl" at Lucky Strike Lanes in Chinatown. The event allowed season ticket holders and team sponsors the opportunity to meet with the Wizards players as well as the chance to bid on several pieces of Wizards and other sports memorabilia in an open auction, with all proceeds going to Washington Sports and Entertainment Charities, Inc.

"This is really a fun event for both the fans and the players," said Candyce Jones, community relations assistant. "It is an opportunity for the players to get out here and bowl, have fun, laugh and mix and mingle with our sponsors and our season ticket holders, but most importantly it is all for a good cause."

While the event was an opportunity for fans to get to interact with their favorite players, it was also an opportunity for the Wizards to thank their fans for their support and loyalty to the team.

"It is important that as a team we give back to the fans, because they support us in everything we do," said Caron Butler. "We have gone through a lot of trials and tribulations this season and they've been there for us every step of the way."

"The Ballers Bowl" also gave several players the chance to showcase their bowling talents. With two of the better bowlers on the team not competing, Gilbert Arenas and Roger Mason, the thought was DeShawn Stevenson would cruise to a big victory considering he averages between 170 and 180 per game.

"It's definitely between Gilbert (Arenas) and I for being the best bowler on the team," said Stevenson. "I got my own bowling ball and I practice a lot. Roger (Mason) is pretty good also."

Despite receiving little notoriety before the event, Oleksiy Pecherov would turn out to be Stevenson's biggest challenger. Pecherov came out firing and shocked many of his teammates by recording strikes in four of the first five frames before finishing with a 178. However, Pecherov's effort would not be enough as Stevenson was up to the challenge, and finished with a high-score of 200.

Following a game of bowling, the players enjoyed everything else the event had to offer. Andray Blatche manned the "DJ" turntables with Washington Wizards DJ Big Tigger, while Nick Young unofficially won a dance off against Butler, Pecherov, Stevenson and rookie Dominic McGuire. Lastly, Pecherov was able to get a win under his belt by knocking off Butler in a game of pool.

"It's really fun anytime you can interact with your teammates outside of Basketball," said Brendan Haywood, "This event is all about getting to interact with our fans, our season ticket holders, and just having a good time with people outside of the workplace."

Washington Sports and Entertainment Charities, Inc. was created by Irene and Abe Pollin to conduct charitable activities and support other charitable organizations by relieving distressed and underprivileged youth of the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Some of these programs include Bright Beginnings, Inc., Salvation Army, UNICEF, Revitalization Project of New Orleans, Sister to Sister Foundation and the Verizon Center 10th Anniversary Adopt- A-School Project, benefiting Ballou Senior High School, Anacostia Senior High School and Spingarn Senior High School.

For more information on the Wizards community programs please visit the Wizards community homepage.