ATLANTA -- Dozens of Falcons players and various local and national celebrities gathered Monday night at Ten Pin Alley to dust off the bowling shoes and hit the lanes for a good cause.
The Atlantic Station bowling spot was transformed to a party scene as players and guests took part in the third annual Atlanta Falcons Celebrity "FootBowl" Tournament.
The event featured a silent auction with sports memorabilia from all the major sports leagues including autographed photos of past and present Falcons' players, autographed footballs from Indianapolis Colts players and head coach Tony Dungy, signed helmets and photos of various college coaches and autographed jerseys from NBA stars like Hornets guard Chris Paul.
Guest could also bid on trips, spa packages and electronics.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
The Falcons were joined by celebrities like Emmanuel Lewis of the TV Show "Webster," recording artist Ne-Yo, Big Boi from the music group "OutKast" and "American Idol's" Bo Bice for an evening of fun and games for the cause.
Of course, it's hard to separate the spirit of competition from NFL stars.
With video from the Falcons 20-13 win over Carolina playing on Ten Pin Alley's multiple television screens, Falcons players started the trash talking. It quickly became apparent that players "who brought their own ball" would have the upper hand.
"I brought my own ball and shoes," linebacker Michael Boley said with a boastful grin, his bag of bowling tricks secured by a freshly-waxed lane. "I don't leave home without it. I leave it in the trunk of my car."
Boley was joined by more than a dozen of his teammates including safety Lawyer Milloy, cornerback DeAngelo Hall, fullback Ovie Mughelli, quarterback D.J. Shockley, tackles Todd Weiner and Tyson Clabo, wide receivers Michael Jenkins, Adam Jennings and Brian Finneran, punter Michael Koenen, running back Jerious Norwood and tight end Alge Crumpler, who was fresh off a game-winning touchdown catch in the Falcons Sunday-afternoon win.
Boley got stiff competition from Jenkins, who is regarded as one of the better bowlers in the locker room.
"It's all in great fun," said Jenkins, who compared his relationship to his bowling equipment with that of a golfer and his clubs. "People always come out and support the charity."
"It's great anytime you can come out with all the guys like tonight," added Boley. "It's big to support each other and a cause like this."
Players bowled on teams made up, in part, of presenting sponsors like Verizon Wireless, Delta, Miller Lite, Aaron's DaveFM and NetMove.
It was the Children's Healthcare team, led by Koenen, that came away with the victory however. Koenen also had the best individual game -- a 268.
The event raised more than $45,000 for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
