Next month’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake event may have a new location, but the purpose remains the same — to raise money to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program in Jackson County.
With the closing of Kingpins Bowl in Seymour last summer, organizers were able to move the annual fundraiser to Columbus Bowling Center, 3010 State St., Columbus.
This year marks the 23rd annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana. It will be April 9, with bowling times at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m.
More than $31,500 was raised from the event in 2016. This year’s goal is $34,000, said Kate Eder, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is a member agency of Jackson County United Way and provides mentors to children to help them overcome obstacles and be more successful now and in the future.
“It funds all of our programming, match support, group activities and background checks for all of our volunteers in Jackson County,” Eder said.
Efforts are ongoing to expand the program into all schools in Jackson County.
Last year, the program served 93 children locally, but there is always a waiting list with more children in need of a mentor.
The benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters goes far beyond providing a positive experience for youth. It has proven to make lasting changes in the community, Eder said.
“When we talk about these matches, we’re talking about relationships that last sometimes years after the child has grown up and left the program,” she said.
Besides the one-to-one community-based matches, there are two other opportunities for mentoring through the Lunch Buddies program and the High School Bigs program.
Lunch Buddies allows adults to spend lunch with their match once a week, and the high school program pairs high school students with elementary schoolchildren during the school day.
Teams of four or more bowlers can register online at bbbssi.org/bfks/register/jackson. Bowlers must raise at least $45 each but are encouraged to raise as much as they can.
The deadline to register is March 31.
During the event, participants will receive an hour and 15 minutes of free bowling, free shoe rental and food and drinks, a Bowl for Kids’ Sake T-shirt and the chance to win door prizes.
Bowlers also can incorporate the event’s super hero theme into their team names and outfits. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise $75, $150 and $200 and for best name, best costume, most spirited and highest scoring game.
A silent auction featuring items donated from local businesses will be conducted during the event.
For those who want to support the cause but can’t attend the event, there is a virtual bowler option at bbbssi.org/bfks/virtual.
“We are very appreciative of the community’s support of our mentoring programs,” Eder said. “Bowl for Kids’ Sake is our way of saying thank you for contributing to the mission of changing children’s lives for the better, forever.”
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What: Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser to support Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs in Jackson County
When: April 9 (bowling times are at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m.)
Where: Columbus Bowling Center, 3010 State St., Columbus
Cost: Each bowler must raise at least $45 to participate
Register: Teams of four or more can register online at bbbssi.org/bfks/register/jackson; the deadline to register is March 31
Sponsors and donations: Anyone wanting to be a sponsor for Bowl for Kids’ Sake or make a donation may do so by mailing it to Big Brothers Big Sisters, P.O. Box 231, Seymour, IN 47274; online giving is available through bbbssi.org/bfks/support
Information: Contact the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana office at 812-522-9699 or [email protected] or online at bbbssi.org/bfks/jackson; information also is posted on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana Facebook page
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