Mission Statement

Since 1982, Columbus has hosted a bowling tournament for the GLBT community. The current tournament, COMIC began in 1994 and has continued as an annual tournament.¹   

Bowlers and supporters come from all across the United States and Canada: The majority coming from Ohio and its neighboring states.  In its first year, COMIC attracted 176 bowlers.  In its second year COMIC sold out to its then capacity of 296 bowlers.  Capacity was increased in 1997 to 360 bowlers with the addition of another bowling shift.    In 2003, COMIC once again expanded to 432 bowlers -- making it the largest annual gay sporting event in the world!  COMIC has sold out every year since 1999.

The Committee Show was started at the first COMIC as a fundraiser for local charities.  The show became a fundraising success story from the beginning. The response of the bowlers to the show has been overwhelming.  The first show, “Going to the Chapel”, involved just a handful of people in one skit. Over the past few years, our shows have involved more than 40 individuals in over 13 skits and musical numbers. With its continued appeal to the bowlers and fundraising ability, the Committee Show will continue for years to come. 

Additional fundraising events sponsored by COMIC include: Toilet Bowl & Jester (mini bowling tournaments), “Labor of Love” Volleyball Tournament concessions, T-Shirt Auctions, Club "Bar" Nights and the weekly mystery score held in the GLBT bowling leagues. 

Through the Committee Show and its other fundraising events, COMIC has raised over $37,000 for local charities.  This amount includes $9,000 raised during the IGBO Annual Tournament in 2001.  Past beneficiaries of COMIC fundraising include: The Stephanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research, Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO), Camp Sunrise, Project Open Hand Columbus, Ohio AIDS Coalition, Stonewall Columbus, Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition, F.A.C.E.S., Columbus Children's Hospital and the IGBO AIDS Quilt.