Ex-Plum star, NFL punter Pat McAfee gives Nesbit's Lanes fundraiser big boost

A GoFundMe effort to help Nesbit’s Lanes in Plum exceeded its $100,000 goal with the help of an athletic alumnus.

The page was created Jan. 29 by Verona bowler David Poremba, who heard about how the covid pandemic had caused league games to be canceled and hundreds of players to stay off the lanes weekly.

The fundraising closed Feb. 1 with just under $124,300 raised from about 1,000 donors.

The largest chunk came from retired NFL punter and Plum High School graduate Pat McAfee, who chipped in with two donations totaling nearly $36,000.

“Nesbit’s is a staple of the Plum community,” McAfee told the Tribune-Review via email Monday night. “I’ve had the privilege of bowling there, hanging out there, and using their parking lot in times of need in high school.

“I appreciate what Nesbit’s has done for Plum. I was excited and thankful for the opportunity to help. Great work by everybody for coming together to help out an important and legendary small business. I hope to get a chance to get back there much sooner than later.”

The second largest contributor was Paul Ramsey with a little more than $14,000. Most of the donations were between $25 and $200.

Nesbit’s Lanes is owned by Rich Nesbit. It was opened in 1946 by his father, Russ, and uncles, Jim and Tom.

Donors left various compliments about the bowling alley on the GoFundMe page. Many gave in memory of friends and family who took them bowling years ago.

Poremba, a longtime friend of Rich Nesbit, posted a thank you to everyone who contributed.

“We feel truly humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love and kindness from everybody who became part of this story,” Poremba wrote. “What started as an idea to help support Rich has turned into much more than that.

“The response we’ve received from the entire community has been overwhelming. And not just in terms of the contributions. The heartfelt comments and the thousands of people who shared the message mean so much to us. This is a true testament to the people of Plum, and the surrounding communities.”

Lanes were packed the day the GoFundMe effort launched with members of the oldest active league, Sportsmen’s Bowling League, and other bowlers who wanted to support the business.

Rich Nesbit said that evening that the fundraising was “unexpected” and thanked everyone for their support.

“It’s heartfelt,” Nesbit said. “It was unexpected. I’m overwhelmed, and I love the people of Plum and the surrounding areas. I’m blessed. I really am blessed and extremely grateful.”

New fundraiser

John Anthony’s Restaurant at 115 Center-New Texas Road in Plum also has a fundraiser planned for Nesbit’s Lanes.

It will auction off baskets and have a 50/50 raffle, as well as donate 20% of customers’ checks Wednesday through Sunday. Call 412-795-8666 or check out the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information.