USBC Seeks To
Protect New
York Bowlers

Attorneys representing the United States Bowling Congress appeared in court recently with the goal of protecting the interest of more than 85,000 USBC members in the state of New York.
Earlier this year, an audit discovered $274,000 was embezzled from the New York State USBC Bowling Association. Stephen Donahue of Weedsport, N.Y., the former NYSBA manager, is charged by New York authorities with felony grand larceny in connection with this case.
The audit revealed members of the NYSBA board of directors consistently failed to follow procedures designed to protect member interests and safeguard funds. In October, USBC revoked the charter of the NYSBA after this breach of fiduciary duty was discovered.
"USBC has a responsibility to step in and protect bowlers when board members of a state association fail to safeguard the funds entrusted to them," said USBC Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger. "USBC remains confident the decision to revoke the NYSBA charter is correct both morally and legally. USBC is deeply concerned about the failures of leadership on the NYSBA board that enabled the embezzlement."
NYSBA has filed suit against USBC in an attempt to have its charter reinstated. A state judge has granted a temporary restraining order in the case until the next scheduled hearing on Jan. 12, 2009. At this time, the NYSBA charter remains revoked.
"USBC has and continues to take action in the best interest of members," Dornberger said. "The lawsuit is premature and without legal merit. We intend to vigorously defend our position and the best interest of bowlers in New York."
USBC will provide services directly to NYSBA members until this matter is resolved.